‘Poor Things’ Sex Scene Re-Edited for U.K. Release – IndieWire

“Poor Things” is looking slightly different in U.K. theaters.

The comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos caused a ratings stir within the British Board of Film Classification, particularly due to one sex scene involving two young boys watching Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) work as a prostitute. In the film, the boys’ father hires Bella to teach them how to have sex.

“Poor Things” is currently certified 18 in the U.K., however only after that scene was modified.

“We originally saw this film for advice. We informed the distributor we would be likely to classify the film 18 on condition that changes be made to one short sequence depicting sexual activity in the presence of children,” a statement by the British Board of Film Classification read. “This is in accordance with the Protection of Children Act 1978. When the distributor submitted the film for formal classification, the scene had been re-edited, and we were able to classify the film 18.”

IndieWire reached out to Searchlight Pictures for comment.

“Poor Things” debuted at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion top prize. The feature went on to land seven Golden Globes nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Screenplay and Best Actress for Stone, who also produces the film. “Poor Things” additionally is among the Oscars shortlists for crafts.

Director Lanthimos said during the Venice Film Festival that the intimate sequences…