techxly@gmail.com
Okay, so we all saw Yorgos Lanthimos’s ‘Poor Things,’ right? Because if you haven’t, what are you even doing? Emma Stone delivered an Oscar-winning performance as Bella Baxter, and honestly, the whole movie was a trip. But that ending? That absolutely bonkers, brilliant, slightly unhinged ending? It’s been living rent-free in my head since I first saw it in theaters (it dropped in December 2023, remember?). Let’s unpack all the glorious weirdness!
1. Bella Is NOT Playing Games Anymore
Look, Bella started as a literal baby in an adult body, figuring out the world. By the end, she’s a fully formed, incredibly intelligent, and fiercely independent woman. She’s seen it all — Paris, brothels, socialists, Duncan’s toxic masculinity — and she’s DONE with anyone trying to control her. That final vibe check she gives everyone? Iconic, no cap. She’s matured so much, it’s actually inspiring.
2. Godwin Baxter’s Peaceful Departure
Related Reading
Honestly, Dr. Godwin Baxter, aka ‘God,’ was a total softie underneath that gruff exterior. Seeing him slowly decline, surrounded by his creations and loved ones, was surprisingly poignant. He literally created life, and his last moments, with Max and Bella by his side, were a beautiful, quiet end to a truly eccentric character. It’s a full-circle moment for him, seeing Bella thrive.
3. Max McCandles Gets His Happy Ending?!
Poor Max! He was always so sweet, so earnest, so utterly devoted to Bella. After all the chaos, the running away, the drama — he actually gets to be with her! They get married! It’s the domestic bliss we lowkey rooted for, even if Bella’s version of domestic bliss includes dissecting things. He deserved it, honestly. Total mood for the ‘nice guy’ winning.
4. The Return of Duncan Wedderburn… Oh No.
Just when you thought Bella was free and clear, Duncan Wedderburn shows up again like a bad penny! Mark Ruffalo played this scumbag so perfectly, you just wanted him to disappear. His re-emergence, trying to reclaim Bella after all she’d been through, was genuinely infuriating. You’re like, ‘Dude, she’s moved on! Get a clue!’
5. General Blessington’s Creepy AF Reveal
Okay, so Bella’s original life as Victoria Blessington was always hinted at, but General Blessington showing up? And being a total monster? That was a gut punch. The way he just assumes he owns her, wants to lock her away again — it highlights the terrifying reality of women’s lack of autonomy in that era. It’s truly chilling to see how close Bella came to losing everything.
6. Bella’s Quick, Decisive Action Against Blessington
You know what I loved? Bella didn’t even hesitate. She’s not the naive girl who ran off with Duncan. She immediately sees Blessington for the threat he is and takes decisive action. No screaming, no fainting — just pure, unadulterated self-preservation. It’s a testament to her growth and how she’s learned to navigate a dangerous world. Queen behavior, honestly.
7. The ‘Brain Swap’ — A Full Circle Moment for Bella
This is where it gets WILD. To save herself and Max, Bella basically performs a Godwin-esque brain swap on Duncan using Blessington’s brain. It’s a full-circle moment, turning her abuser into a blank slate, just like she once was. The audacity! The sheer, brilliant, scientific audacity! It’s dark, but oh-so-satisfying in a twisted way. We can’t even.
8. Duncan Wedderburn As A… Baby-Man?!
OMG, when you see Duncan at the end, literally a baby in an adult’s body, learning to walk and talk again… I screamed! It’s horrifying, hilarious, and just *so* Lanthimos. The ultimate poetic justice for a man who tried to infantilize Bella her whole life. He’s now exactly what he thought she was. Total mood: ‘You get what you give, buddy.’
9. Bella’s New Life as a Scientist
The ending shows Bella fully embracing her intellectual curiosity, studying medicine and conducting experiments. She’s not just a wife; she’s a brilliant, contributing member of society, following in her ‘father’ Godwin’s footsteps. It’s everything she fought for: freedom, knowledge, and self-determination. Living for this unapologetic pursuit of science!
10. The Immortal Chicken-Goat-Dog Crew
Okay, we HAVE to talk about Godwin’s bizarre animal creations. They’re still there! The chicken with the dog’s head, the goat-dog hybrid… they’re just chilling in the garden, living their best, weird lives. It’s a quirky reminder of Godwin’s legacy and the wonderfully strange world Bella now inhabits. Honestly, I’m lowkey obsessed with them.
11. The Ultimate Freedom: Bella Chooses Her Own Path
This is the real meaning of the ending. Bella, having experienced every facet of life and confronted every attempt to control her, ultimately chooses her own destiny. She chooses Max, she chooses science, she chooses autonomy. She’s not a victim; she’s the architect of her own life. It’s a powerful statement about female agency and self-discovery. We love to see it!
12. It’s Not a ‘Happily Ever After,’ It’s a ‘Happily Ever Unhinged’
Let’s be real, this isn’t your average Disney ending. It’s wild, it’s morally ambiguous, and it’s absolutely perfect for Bella. She gets her version of a happy ending, which is chaotic, brilliant, and full of scientific exploration. ‘Poor Things’ (currently streaming on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK, btw, with a fantastic 92% on Rotten Tomatoes!) doesn’t give us a tidy bow; it gives us a woman truly, gloriously free. And honestly? That’s better.
FAQs
What happens to Duncan Wedderburn at the end of Poor Things?
Bella performs a brain transplant on Duncan using General Blessington’s brain, effectively turning him into a child-like being who has to relearn everything, mirroring Bella’s initial state. Poetic justice, much?
Does Bella Baxter end up with Max McCandles?
Yes! After all the drama and Bella’s adventures, she returns to London and marries Max McCandles. They settle into a life together, with Bella pursuing her scientific studies and embracing her autonomy.
What is the main message of Poor Things’ ending?
The ending emphasizes Bella’s ultimate freedom and self-determination. She breaks free from patriarchal control, embraces her intellectual curiosity, and chooses a life defined by her own desires and scientific exploration, not by societal expectations.
Phew! Talk about an ending that sticks with you. ‘Poor Things’ isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience, and its conclusion is a bold, unforgettable statement about freedom, identity, and the wild ride of discovering who you truly are. If you loved this breakdown, share it with your fellow movie fanatics! What was *your* favorite bonkers moment from the ending? Let me know in the comments!
