Plot: What is this story about? Described as the incredible story and fantastic evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unconventional scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s tutelage, Bell is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she lacks, Bella escapes with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a sharp and dissolute lawyer, on a turbulent adventure across continents. Free from the prejudices of her time, Bella feels confident in her pursuit of advocating for equality and liberation. Who does poor things: crew list A behind-the-scenes look at the Poor Things crew and production team. Film director Yorgos Lanthimos most recently directed The Favorite and The Killing of a Sacred Deer. Most recently, the film’s screenwriter Tony McNamara wrote the screenplays for “The Favorite” and “Ashby.”