Ever wondered what happens when a disgruntled beekeeper, convinced of alien conspiracies, kidnaps a corporate CEO? Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Bugonia” starring Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone is a wild, surreal ride you won’t believe. It’s a dark comedy that taps into today’s anxieties. Are you ready for this batshit-crazy cinematic experience?
Yorgos Lanthimos once again reunites with his muse Emma Stone for “Bugonia,” a film hailed as a triumphant return to the director’s signature surreal and darkly comedic style. Following their collaboration on “Kinds of Kindness,” this latest venture premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, solidifying its place among Lanthimos’ most celebrated works like “Poor Things” and “The Favourite.” The film plunges audiences into a dizzying, batshit-crazy narrative that is both unsettling and profoundly relevant to contemporary societal anxieties.
At its heart, “Bugonia” explores themes deeply intertwined with today’s misinformation age, focusing on the insidious spread of conspiracy theories and the individuals who cling to them. The title itself, referencing an ancient Greek belief in the spontaneous generation of bees from dead cows, serves as a potent metaphor for the film’s exploration of outlandish beliefs taking root in fertile, yet distorted, minds. This “paranoid thriller” masterfully blends absurdity with a chilling sense of credibility, reflecting the often-unhinged realities found in the internet’s darkest corners.
The film features bravura performances that anchor its wildest moments. Emma Stone delivers yet another captivating portrayal, showcasing her remarkable range and depth as an actress. However, it is Jesse Plemons who truly shines, offering a magnificently unhinged performance that earned him the Cannes Best Actor prize for his multifaceted roles in this complex narrative. Plemons navigates the fine line between comedic absurdity and poignant pathos, making his character tragically relatable.
Plemons portrays Teddy, a disgruntled beekeeper consumed by a belief that the world’s ecological disasters, the opioid crisis, and his personal failures are all orchestrated by Michelle, an uber-slick CEO of a pharmaceutical bioengineering company, brilliantly brought to life by Stone. Convinced that Michelle is an alien sent to destroy Earth, Teddy, alongside his shy cousin Don (Aidan Delbis), embarks on an audacious plan to kidnap her, setting in motion a chain of increasingly bizarre events.
The ensuing cat-and-mouse game between Teddy and Michelle forms the core of “Bugonia.” Plemons imbues Teddy with a sadly pathetic human face, making it almost possible to empathize with his misguided conviction. Don, meanwhile, slowly begins to question their drastic actions, realizing the potential gravity of absconding with such a high-profile executive. Michelle, however, skillfully manipulates Teddy, toying with his paranoia and hinting at powerful forces that will inevitably come looking for her.
Beyond its compelling narrative, “Bugonia” is a visual and auditory feast. The film boasts incredibly sharp and piercing dialogue, so rich and theatrical that it could easily translate to a stage play. Lanthimos, in collaboration with cinematographer Robbie Ryan, employs the virtually abandoned VistaVision cameras, a technique also seen in “Oppenheimer,” to create pure cinematic magic. James Price’s spot-on production design further elevates the fantastical premise, making it visually arresting and immersive.
Co-written by Lanthimos and Will Tracy, and reportedly inspired by the 2003 Korean film “Save the Green Planet!,” “Bugonia” masterfully taps into the pervasive season of discontent felt by many who feel left behind in modern society. This “Bugonia Review” highlights its elevated narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. The film is a powerful commentary on delusion and belief, solidified by the incredible synergy between Stone, Plemons, and the entire cast, making it a must-see at the Venice Film Festival and beyond.
