We see Bella Baxter transform from a cute-looking zombie into a more human-like being. In time, she discovers what its like to have sex for the first time and that’s when the story takes wing. Bella Baxter is a woman with the mind of a child- literally. The product of an experiment by eccentric surgeon Godwin Baxter, Bella spends the early years of her second life locked in his mansion, surrounded by his other experiments. As time goes by, Bella begins to develop her intelligence and Godwin hires medical student Max McCandles to assist as an observer and to help with her ongoing mental growth. Bella soon begins to crave autonomy and wants to see the world. So when Godwin calls his slick debauched lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Ruffalo) to deliver a legally binding document meant to cement Bella’s marriage to Max, Bella sees a window of opportunity and decides to run away with Duncan. Life outside the protected environs of the mansion proves to be strange and harsh and Duncan’s charm is only skin deep. Bella eventually, has to learn to navigate the world on her own limiting terms.

Each shot is framed with precision, embedded with witty dialogue and loony behaviour. The music is pitched to create disharmony whenever required. It’s a strange wonderland with visuals coming at you through fish-eye lenses, narrative replete with running gags that border on hysteria, crazy science, outrageous characters, and stunning set and costume design - most of it set in Victorian-era Scotland.

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Cinematographer Robbie Ryan employs distorted perspectives to foster a sense of disorientation and wonder. His use of zooms and tracking shots intensify the dreamlike artifice of the narration.  

Shona Heath and James Price’s production design is akin with the absurd inventiveness of the narrative. Set Decoration is lavish and decadent, and stay within the prism of a richly varied and immersive experience.  

Emma Stone is one with her character. The sci-fi aspect of her rebirth allows her to showcase the growth of her character’s mental acuity with intuitive perfection. Willem Dafoe in a Frankensteinesque creator role is memorable while Mark Ruffalo as the debauched older lover, does beautifully, fitting into the satire of what he stands for. The leads embrace the absurdity of their roles and are the reason why everything falls into the realm of the plausible here.