Bugonia Is Proof That No One Is Making Movies Like Yorgos Lanthimos (Review)

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Director Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone have teamed up for four films in a row – The Favourite, Poor Things, Kinds of Kindness, and now Bugonia. This new film is a remake of a South Korean black comedy from 2003, and stars Stone alongside Jesse Plemons, creating a fantastic pairing for movie lovers. Though it hints at a larger, intergalactic story, Bugonia is a focused and tense drama with science fiction elements subtly woven in. The film showcases both Stone and Plemons’ incredible acting talents and proves Lanthimos can successfully return to more straightforward storytelling.

In the film Bugonia, Jesse Plemons plays Teddy Gatz, a beekeeper and warehouse worker who firmly believes aliens from Andromeda are secretly running the world. Naomi Stone stars as Michelle Fuller, the CEO of a powerful pharmaceutical company, who Teddy believes is one of these extraterrestrials. The film immediately highlights the contrast between them – Teddy lives in a simple, rural home in Georgia, while Michelle lives in a huge, modern mansion, emphasizing their different social classes. Driven by his beliefs, Teddy decides to kidnap Michelle, hoping to use her to contact the aliens he’s convinced are real.

Yorgos Lanthimos’ films have become increasingly ambitious visually, as seen in the lavish designs of The Favourite and Poor Things. His latest, Bugonia, continues his signature absurdist style, but feels surprisingly grounded in reality, skillfully balancing realism with moments of extravagant flair. It’s a truly unique cinematic experience – confident in its storytelling and unafraid to showcase its distinctive style, firmly establishing it as a Yorgos Lanthimos film.

Rating: 4 out of 5

PROS CONS
A whip-smart screenplay with great structure Sometimes loses focus
Stone & Plemons remain undefeated as performers The humor doesn’t always land
Always surprises you

Bugonia’s Script Is Its Secret Weapon

What makes the dynamic in Bugonia so interesting is how the film consistently asks viewers to question what’s real. The lead character, Teddy, holds extreme beliefs that immediately distance him from the audience. His wild theories about aliens and controlling the world echo current conspiracy theories, and the film establishes this connection right away. Because of this, the other lead, Stone, doesn’t need to directly argue with him; Teddy’s ideas already sound crazy, even though he presents them with unwavering conviction. Stone simply needs to offer a familiar, frustrated look to make her own perspective clear.

While Bugonia doesn’t ignore the bigger issues raised by Teddy or Michelle’s counterarguments, it deliberately lets the story and characters develop slowly before bringing those conflicts to the forefront. As Michelle starts to connect with Teddy and even consider his perspective to try and win him over, the film’s structure becomes apparent: it’s going to surprise you. Just when you think you understand where the story is headed or what the characters are thinking, the film proves that its unpredictability is its greatest strength.

Although Bugonia generally moves quickly despite its complex plot, it occasionally slows down. Scenes featuring Teddy interacting with the outside world – whether at work or with unexpected visits from Stavros Halkias – add humor but sometimes disrupt the film’s pacing. These moments are intended to give viewers a break from the intense storyline and offer a different perspective on Michelle’s disappearance, but they can unfortunately hinder the film’s momentum.

Bugonia Is a Showcase For Its Stars

The film truly hinges on the performances of Stone and Plemons, who bring an incredible energy to the story. Plemons expertly portrays a man consumed by his beliefs, making his descent into conspiracy theories believable – and even momentarily convincing for the audience. He balances fervent conviction with underlying personal struggles. Stone, meanwhile, projects unwavering confidence, and her reactions to Plemons’ increasingly outlandish claims shift from confusion to a carefully crafted pretense of agreement. This creates a compelling dynamic between the two, with their tense exchanges feeling like a fierce competition. Ultimately, the real winners are the viewers, who are captivated by their powerful performances.

Jesse Plemons is joined by Aidan Delbis, who plays his cousin Don. Don is unwillingly involved in the kidnapping and questioning of the main character, providing a fresh viewpoint on the story. Delbis is particularly humorous as he constantly doubts his cousin’s plans and has a nagging feeling that things aren’t right. It’s a strong first performance, and he confidently acts alongside seasoned performers, including an Oscar winner and nominee.

The movie largely relies on the performances of its three main actors. However, Alicia Silverstone and Stavros Halkias both make notable appearances. Silverstone plays Teddy’s mother, Sandy, and powerfully portrays a woman whose past struggles with drugs have influenced his beliefs, creating one of the film’s most impactful scenes. Halkias effectively uses his innocent appearance, though the humor surrounding his character isn’t entirely successful.

Ultimately, Bugonia is a film about appreciating the present moment. Though its main characters hold vastly different and extreme beliefs – one lost in conspiracy theories, the other firmly within the elite 1% – the film offers a unique perspective on our current world and the feeling of being overwhelmed. What makes Bugonia special is its intimate focus, allowing the story to unfold organically through the interactions of its characters and constantly surprising viewers. It’s truly one of a kind.

Bugonia is now playing in theaters.

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2025-10-30 18:12