My Thoughts on Bugonia: A Movie Review You Can Trust
Why I watched ‘Bugonia’
I finally got time to see this black comedy movie and wanted to share my Bugonia movie review. I heard a lot about its twisted plot and bold visuals. I enjoy Yorgos Lanthimos’s quirky films, so I was excited to see what he did with this remake.
Bugonia premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025. Focus Features then released it in the U.S. on October 24. That timing worked perfectly for me. Initial critics’ reactions drew me in, and the bizarre storyline caught my interest. The cast Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and Aidan Delbis also intrigued me.
Bugonia movie plot in brief
The story follows two men who kidnap a pharma CEO, Michelle Fuller. They believe she is an alien planning to destroy the Earth. Convinced that she is a part of an Andromedan species, they want to save humanity by extracting her secrets before a lunar eclipse in three days. Their methods unfold in a dark, comedic way.
Teddy Gatz, played by Jesse Plemons, leads the plan. He is paranoid and convinced of an alien threat. His cousin Don supports him but often seems unsure. They lock Michelle in their basement, where tension and absurdity build.
A twisted comedy
Bugonia movie mixes humor with horror. A scene might make me laugh, but the next one I back down. Teddy’s chaotic logic can be oddly funny. He sees messages in everyday objects and imagines cosmic signs that confirm his alien conspiracy.
The black comedy label fits well. Yorgos Lanthimos focuses on unnerving details. He explores paranoia and corporate power. These elements show how humans face pressures in modern life. This aligns with his past work that blends absurdity with deeper themes.
Characters who shine
Bugonia cast Emma Stone plays Michelle Fuller, showing calm even when captured. I was impressed by her range. At first, she seemed resistant and clever. Over time, we see cracks in her armor. She is more than just a victim.
Jesse Plemons convincingly portrays a man on life or death mission. He shows a shaky determination, as if every step could lead to disaster. Don his cousin admires Teddy but struggles with his harsh methods. This tension drives the film forward. I also like Alicia Silverstone’s part as a woman who senses something is off but can not step in.
Cinematic style
Bugonia was filmed with 8-perf 35mm in VistaVision format (Wikipedia). This choice created wide, detailed frames. The bright, sterile labs stand in stark contrast to the cramped basement. Lanthimos frames Michelle from a higher angle to show her vulnerability. Teddy is shot from a lower angle, which adds to his intensity.
I liked the lighting choices. Glowing neon tubes highlight the basement’s tight feel. Daylight scenes look a bit washed out, suggesting a world lacking warmth. These visual contrasts highlight the film’s chaotic mix of whimsy and menace.
Strange themes
The Bugonia movie goes beyond conspiracy theories. It explores corporate ethics and environmental decline. Bees play a quiet role, symbolizing nature in jeopardy. In one flashback, Teddy talks about toxins that kill pollinators. This shows the dangerous path he believes Michelle’s company is on.
I like how the Bugonia movie links personal obsession to larger social themes. Teddy’s silly reasoning hints at real fears. Our world has many questionable corporate powers. Maybe that’s why this story connects, even if it is absurd. While watching, I considered how we define truth.
Bugonia Pacing and structure
The movie unfolds over several days, leading to a lunar eclipse. Each day brings new layers of fear and desperation. Tense interrogations mix with scenes of Michelle’s colleagues. These glimpses show she is not just a random victim. She runs Auxolith, a powerful company that may have its own secrets.
Lanthimos uses flashbacks to reveal Teddy’s motives. We learn about his tragic family history and his deep mistrust of corporate figures. This kept me curious. I wanted to see how the pieces fit together without feeling lost. The countdown to the eclipse adds urgency, making each scene important.
What stood out to me
I enjoyed the mix of humor, horror, and drama in Bugonia. It does not fit into just one genre. It is a mix of comedy of errors with sharp satire. I liked its unpredictability. Some scenes shift from laughter to shock in seconds.
The Bugonia cast performances keep the chaos grounded. Emma Shone’s change at the end surprised me. She moves from captive to something else entirely. I won’t spoil it, but she fully embraces the idea that reality can be more fluid than we think.
A few drawbacks in Bugonia movie
Sometimes Bugonia feels a bit overloaded. It covers corporate greed, Earth’s destruction, and conspiracy theories all at once. Some side plots feel unfinished. For instance, we see bits of Don’s background, but his story does not quite wrap up.
The final act might surprise those who prefer neat logical conclusions. I like open-ended questions, but others might find it too abrupt. Still, it fits the film’s odd tone. It also connects to the original South Korean Film from 2003. Save the Green Planet!, which had its own unique style.
My verdict
Bugonia is a unique ride that surprises and entertains. It dives into alien conspiracies, corporate wrongdoing, and moral chaos. I found it thrilling. The humor kept things lively, while the dark themes caught my attention. It may not be for everyone, but it got me thinking.
If you enjoy twisted humor and sharp social commentary, you might enjoy this film. The director’s style and Bugonia cast’s strong performances make it memorable. I am glad I gave it a shot. I hope my perspective adds something new. For me, that blend of absurd comedy and looming disasters is what makes Bugonia special.