‘Bugonia’ is a Darkly Comic Gut Punch
The twisted filmography of Yorgos Lanthimos has trained us to expect darkly comic visions of modern life, both brutal and ordinary. His films often provoke the most bewildered reactions of the past decade, partly because they aim to do so. His works—farces, fables, and experiments—exist in surreal, self-contained worlds.
However, his latest film, Bugonia, is thrillingly, if tragically, rooted in reality. It might be his best work yet. Despite initial reservations about Lanthimos’ dramatic intensity, I found Bugonia, a tightly focused emotional punch, hard to forget.
Plot and Characters
The film opens with a striking line:
“There’s Andromedan code all over your Instagram.”This is said by Teddy (Jesse Plemons), an incel eco-terrorist, to Michelle (Emma Stone) after he kidnaps her alongside his neurodivergent cousin Donny (Aidan Delbis). Both men live in a remote, run-down house where Teddy tends bees and entertains disturbing conspiracy theories.
Though Teddy's ideas, like suspecting Michelle—a pharmaceutical CEO—of being an alien, sound wildly insane, Plemons portrays him with nuance. Teddy is thoughtful and shows genuine care for his cousin, avoiding the stereotype of a madman.
Atmosphere and Impact
Bugonia strikes a balance between surreal comedy and poignant tragedy. It explores twisted realities with an emotional core, making it both unsettling and deeply human.
“His movies have perhaps inspired the most ‘What?!’ reactions of the last decade, partly because they’ve tried so hard to do so.”
This film grounds Lanthimos’ signature style in something more tangible and resonant, delivering a memorable cinematic experience.
Author's Summary
‘Bugonia’ masterfully blends Lanthimos’ dark humor with emotional depth, creating a haunting story that lingers long after the credits roll.