How to Watch ‘Poor Things’ That Won an Oscar for Best Costume Design

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

Much like Bella Baxter, the protagonist of the Yorgos Lanthimos-directed film ‘Poor Things,’ we’re always looking for a new way to see what’s available to us. And now, the film — which collected a total of four out of the eleven Oscars it was nominated for, including a win for Holly Waddington’s costume designs — is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services.

Emma Stone took home the Oscar for her turn as as Bella Baxter, a Frankenstein-like woman who sets out to explore the greater world against the wishes of her father figure called “God,” played by Willem Dafoe. Set in an alternative Victorian-era London, “Poor Things“ is based on the bestselling 1992 novel by author Alasdair Grey. Along with Oscar-winning Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Margaret Qualley, and Ramy Youssef round out the cast. 

With whimsical sets re-interpreting turn-of-the-century Europe, the ‘Poor Things’ costume designer Holly Waddington turns the traditionally restrictive Victorian costumes into lighter, retrofuturistic, Steampunk-influenced pieces that reflect Bella’s journey of self-discovery.

WWD spoke to the designer in December, who noted, “I had this sense that it shouldn’t be obviously sci-fi, and it shouldn’t be obviously period drama.” She cited working with the film as a “dream project,”  and on Sunday, the academy recognized her work, awarding her the Oscar.

For Stone’s character, fashion is integral to her self-discovery, dressing in a child-like manner at first before slowly becoming more aware of both the world and her body, with sartorial pieces reflecting that. “We were playing with how she would style herself in the way that maybe a five-year-old dresses up in their mother’s wardrobe… so the looks are all over the place,” Waddington explained. The result is a fun, frothy, and humorous approach to dressing, calling to mind the bold choices of modern fashion greats. 

On Sunday, the film was the second-most nominated of the night, including categories for production, best actress, costume, hair and makeup, and cinematography, among other categories. If you’ve yet to see the film, now’s the perfect time to make a discovery — whether it’s for the plot or the award-winning fashions.

How to Stream ‘Poor Things’ Online

Currently, ‘Poor Things’ is available to stream on Prime Video and other streaming services like Hulu. Prime Video is currently offering a discount on ‘Poor Things’: You can purchase the movie for just $12.99 for a limited time. If you’re not currently an Amazon Prime or Prime Video member, you can sign up for a free 30-day Prime Video trial. New Amazon Prime members also get a free Prime Video trial, so if you’re interested in all the e-tailer has to offer, sign up for a free 30-day Prime membership trial.

Why Trust WWD

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Fernando Snellings is a contributing beauty and fashion writer for WWD. An alumni of the School of Visual Arts, Snellings has worked in various roles in the fashion industry for several years. As a freelance writer, he actively keeps his finger on the pulse on the latest fashion and beauty trends, as well as entertainment news coverage on trending shows and movies, like ‘Poor Things’ you can watch via streaming services.