Poor Things — Movie Quotes

Spoken by Bella as she reflects on her travels and the harsh realities she has witnessed outside the safety of Godwin's home.

This beautifully distills Bella's philosophical realization about the human condition. She recognizes that the world is a dichotomy of extreme pleasure and agonizing cruelty, and to live fully, one must acknowledge both.

Godwin says this while discussing surgical and scientific philosophy, revealing the dark humor and underlying trauma that defines his character.

This quote highlights Godwin's complex relationship with his abusive father and his own approach to science. It underscores the film's theme of balancing clinical detachment with humanity.

Spoken to Duncan Wedderburn as she rejects his possessive and jealous nature, realizing they are entirely incompatible.

Bella refuses to conform to the Victorian expectation of a pure, submissive wife. She demands a partner who accepts her continuous evolution and autonomy.

Bella says this as she ravenously experiences the novelties of the world, from food to music to intimacy.

A pure expression of Bella's joie de vivre. It encapsulates her boundless curiosity and appreciation for existence, untouched by societal cynicism.

Duncan uses this line to convince Bella to run away with him, appealing to her innate desire to break free from Godwin's rules.

While Duncan says this to seduce Bella and appear rebellious, it ironically foreshadows how polite society's rules eventually crush him when Bella takes his advice far more literally and fearlessly than he ever could.