Watch Emma Stone threaten to punch a baby

Find out why the Oscar-winning actress "must go punch that baby."

The last thing you thought you'd need on a cozy fall morning? Emma Stone threatening to punch a baby seems to be a likely candidate.

The Favourite and Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos' latest film, Poor Things, however, is here to fill a desire you never knew you had, as the Oscar-buzzed sci-fi romantic dramedy's new trailer features a hilarious scene in which the Academy Award–winning actress vows to pummel an infant who won't stop crying.

But there's context for the gesture. Stone stars as Bella Baxter, an experiment born from the mind (and surgical hands) of Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). The movie follows Bella as she is "understanding what it is to be a member of society," Stone says in an interview within the preview, referencing the character's journey from a mush-minded being to fully formed human.

Part of that evolution includes learning to become "more autonomous," Stone says, which leads to the controlling (and very, very horny) men around her (such as Mark Ruffalo's Duncan Wedderburn) to feel "challenged."

Emma Stone, POOR THINGS | Extended Look Trailer
Emma Stone threatens to punch a baby in 'Poor Things'. Searchlight Pictures/YouTube

Bella's transition finds her navigating otherwise normal social situations with comedic candor, such as a scene in the trailer in which she grows increasingly frustrated with the irritating sounds of a nearby baby after she spits out a piece of food while dining at a fancy restaurant.

"Why keep it in my mouth if it is revolting?" she asks. "I must go punch that baby!"

Poor Things — also starring Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, Margaret Qualley, and Christopher Abbott — hits theaters Dec. 8. Watch the new trailer above.

Listen to EW's The Awardist podcast on Amazon Music to get the latest awards season analysis and hear from the actors, creators, and more who are contenders this season.

Related content:

Related Articles