Yorgos Lanthimos strikes again with Bugonia, a wildly inventive film that masterfully fuses sci-fi paranoia, dark comedy, and tense thriller elements into a cohesive, edge-of-your-seat experience. Reminiscent of his signature style seen in The Favourite and Poor Things, this remake of a Korean black comedy amps up the absurdity while grounding it in timely commentary on conspiracy theories, misinformation, and societal polarization. From the outset, the premise—two conspiracy-obsessed men kidnapping a high-powered CEO they believe is an alien bent on destroying Earth—hooks you with its blend of humor and unease, escalating into a story that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely shocking.
At the heart of the film are the powerhouse performances that elevate it to must-see status. Emma Stone, in her fourth collaboration with Lanthimos, delivers a tour-de-force as the confident, manipulative CEO, effortlessly shifting from vulnerability to control with razor-sharp wit and charisma. She’s paired perfectly with Jesse Plemons, who embodies the naive yet menacing kidnapper with a commitment that’s equal parts threatening and heartbreaking—arguably one of his best roles yet. Their dynamic power play, mirroring real-world divides between progressive elites and reactionary outsiders, keeps the tension bubbling like a pressure cooker, making every exchange feel electric and unpredictable.
Visually, Bugonia is a feast, shot on 35mm by cinematographer Robbie Ryan to create a surreal, tactile world where shadows and textures amplify the paranoia. Jerskin Fendrix’s ominous score adds to the atmosphere, ensuring the film feels alive with dread even in its most comedic moments. The production design and soundtrack further enhance the immersion, turning what could be a straightforward fable into a bold, beautifully crafted exploration of human nature’s darkest corners.
What truly sets Bugonia apart is its originality. It’s riveting and unhinged to its core, offering a fresh take on apocalyptic themes without sacrificing entertainment value. While not Lanthimos’ absolute pinnacle, it’s one of his boldest in years—entertainingly bleak, sharply well-played, and a reflection of our fractured times. If you’re a fan of genre-bending cinema that challenges and delights, this is an absolute winner.
Screening from October 30 at Luna Leederville and Luna on SX.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
