Bugonia Review: Jesse Plemons Challenges Emma Stone in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Dark Comedy
Director Yorgos Lanthimos collaborates once more with actress Emma Stone in the dark comedy “Bugonia.” The film, based on the 2003 South Korean movie “Save the Green Planet!,” adds an American twist set in the year 2025. This story delves into conspiracy theories and explores the themes of deranged American life. Although lanthimos’s earlier works have been noted for their harsh tone, “Bugonia” intertwines cruelty with a certain sense of silliness.
Key Characters and Performances
Emma Stone stars as Michelle Fuller, a high-profile pharmaceutical executive living a life of affluence and isolation. Her environment, filled with sterile white spaces, contrasts sharply with that of Jesse Plemons’s character, Teddy, and his cousin Don, played by Aidan Delbis. Teddy and Don’s existence in rural squalor marks a tangible disparity between their world and Michelle’s.
The Abduction
The narrative unfolds with Teddy and Don kidnapping Michelle, driven by Teddy’s belief in her alien identity. Convinced she is from Andromeda, Teddy uses laughable conspiracy theories to justify his actions. These events create a platform for dark humor, especially as Teddy engages in absurd activities like having Don shave Michelle’s hair.
A Chaotic Confrontation
The film morphs into a lengthy interrogation, blending humor and discomfort. Stone and Plemons engage in an intense battle of wits, exploring their characters’ personalities deeply. Stone’s portrayal of a flawed yet intriguing Michelle stands out, while Plemons captivates as a troubled soul with a complicated past. Flashbacks reveal Teddy’s bond with his ailing mother, enhancing the depth of their dynamic.
Musical and Emotional Undertones
Jerskin Fendrik’s chaotic musical score complements the film’s cheeky and cynical tones. Meanwhile, Delbis’s portrayal of Don adds authenticity and depth, offering a sympathetic lens into the narrative. The exploration of moral ambiguity and human complexity highlights Lanthimos’s unique storytelling style.
A Distinctive Yet Polarizing Feature
Though not Lanthimos and Stone’s strongest work, “Bugonia” remains notable among 2025 releases. The film’s twisted nature and concluding scenes leave a lasting impression, though it may not fully resonate with all audiences. Critically received with a rating of 7 out of 10, “Bugonia” promises to provoke thought when it opens in theaters on October 24, 2025.
