🎬 Introduction
Bugonia marks the latest collaboration between auteur Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, with Jesse Plemons co-starring. An English-language remake of the cult South Korean film Save the Green Planet!, the film is written by Will Tracy (Succession, The Menu) and produced by Lanthimos, Stone, and Ari Aster. The world premiere was held at Venice Film Festival 2025, where it opened the main competition slate. Focus Features will release it theatrically on October 24, 2025, with a full rollout by October 31.WikipediaTheWrapAwardsWatchPunch Drunk Critics
📖 Plot (Spoiler‑Free)
Set in suburban America, Bugonia follows two conspiracy-obsessed men—Teddy (Jesse Plemons) and Don (Aidan Delbis)—who kidnap Michelle (Emma Stone), the CEO of a global pharmaceutical company. Convinced that she’s an alien responsible for humanity’s destruction, they plan to expose her threat. But as layers of paranoia and chaos unravel, the escalating hostage situation becomes deeply absurd and darkly comic.Reddit+15Wikipedia+15Punch Drunk Critics+15
🔍 In-Depth Analysis
Tone & Direction
Lanthimos brings his signature offbeat surrealism and deadpan execution to this cosmic-dark comedy. Inspired by the original cult classic, the film blends existential themes with suburban dread—creating a distorted satire of corporate paranoia and conspiracy-fueled vigilantism.The GuardianTime Out Worldwide
Performances
Emma Stone delivers a magnetic turn as Michelle, combining corporate authority with vulnerability. Jesse Plemons balances pathos and mad zeal as Teddy. Supporting cast—including Alicia Silverstone and comedian Stavros Halkias—add off-kilter texture to the ensemble.Time Out Worldwide+8Wikipedia+8Metacritic+8
Themes & Style
The narrative riffs on warped capitalism, the alien-other metaphor, and media-fueled fear. Cinematographer Robbie Ryan’s choice of 35mm VistaVision film adds a stark, retro clarity. The tone maintains absurdist satire while rooted in psychological realism.Wikipedia+1Letterboxd+1
Festival Buzz & Industry Context
Bugonia premiered at the 82nd Venice Film Festival (August 27–September 6, 2025) among heavy-hitters like Frankenstein, Jay Kelly, and The Smashing Machine. Early reactions have hailed it as a major festival highlight and award-season contender.FacebookTheWrapNext Best Picture
✅ What Works & What Doesn’t
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Bold, original premise steeped in existential satire | Critics and audiences still awaiting final cut reviews |
| Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons elevate their roles with emotional specificity | Lanthimos' style may polarize mainstream viewers |
| A festival-ready arthouse edge with broad sci-fi appeal | Genre shifts risk tonal imbalance if not handled carefully |
As of now, Bugonia has no Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic scores available, indicating pending official reviews.Punch Drunk Critics+1Wikipedia+1AwardsWatch+3TheWrap+3Next Best Picture+3AwardsWatch+11Rotten Tomatoes+11Facebook+11 Reddit threads emphasize its tight, unpredictable premise:
“Nice Killing of a Sacred Deer vibes… intrigued to see how Lanthimos works with new screenwriter.”
“Plot: Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap the high‑powered CEO … convinced she is an alien.”Time Out Worldwide+8Reddit+8Letterboxd+8
🧠 Final Verdict
Bugonia showcases Lanthimos at his sharpest—melding surreal satire with tense hostage dynamics and dark humor. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons bring gravitas and unpredictability, while the film’s corporate-alien paranoia narrates a biting critique of power and belief. It’s one of 2025’s boldest cinematic events and likely a festival and awards-season standout.
Rating: ⭐ 4.0 / 5
Who Should Watch: Cinephiles craving unconventional sci-fi satire, Lanthimos devotees, Damian Sharp thriller lovers.
Less Suitable For: Fans of lighthearted comedies or straightforward narrative structures.