Bugonia is a must-watch film that captivates you from the very first scene, almost compelling you to hit the replay button as soon as it ends. Directed by the talented Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his distinctive style, this film stands out as one of his most intense and relevant works to date.
Jesse Plemons stars as Teddy, who, along with his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis), kidnaps the formidable CEO Michelle Fuller, played by Emma Stone. Their motivation? A belief that Michelle is an alien leading a plan to annihilate life on Earth. This premise pushes the narrative into a psychological realm, where viewers grapple with questions like: Is Michelle genuinely an extraterrestrial? Is Teddy merely a deluded conspiracy theorist? The film keeps you guessing, questioning morality, and navigating the boundaries between reality and paranoia.
Bugonia is inspired by the 2003 South Korean film, Save the Green Planet!, and features a screenplay by Will Tracy, who is renowned for his work on The Menu and the acclaimed HBO series Succession. His background in satirical writing from The Onion and Last Week Tonight provides a rich lens through which this unsettling story unfolds.
We recently spoke with Lanthimos and Tracy, diving into their creative process for Bugonia. Here are key insights from our spoiler-free discussion on crafting a film that keeps audiences both guessing and engaged.
Germain Lussier, io9: Yorgos, you have a unique ability to weave sci-fi elements into your stories without making them feel overtly genre-centered. What draws you to this genre while maintaining a distinct style?
Yorgos Lanthimos: I approach storytelling instinctively and unconsciously. My thematic decisions arise organically. The balance in storytelling is subjective; every viewer perceives it differently. I strive to create films that allow personal engagement rather than sticking rigidly to a single genre.
io9: Will, how does the context of releasing this film in America in 2025 differ from its South Korean origin in 2003?
Will Tracy: Much of it reflects my roots at The Onion, where we highlighted absurd situations with a grounded editorial voice. I aim for a mix of extreme scenarios treated with emotional reality, enabling the absurdity to shine through subtly, which is vital in Yorgos’ films.
io9: How do you approach the ambiguity regarding who’s telling the truth in the film?
Tracy: Both Teddy and Michelle enter the scene with strong yet potentially misguided beliefs. Their interactions strip away some of these facades, revealing their deeper agendas and raising questions about reality.
io9: How do editorial choices influence that balance in performances?
Lanthimos: Much of it is grounded in the writing. I aim to allow actors to express themselves without imposing too much analysis, ensuring my perceptions stay fresh. Editing reveals nuanced performances that add depth to the narrative, enhancing the complex dynamics.
io9: The music score, crafted by Jerskin Fendrix, significantly enhances the emotional landscape. What was your vision for that aspect?
Lanthimos: I sought to juxtapose the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere with a grand musical score. I encouraged Jerskin not to read the script and to think big with his compositions, ensuring that the music matched the film’s emotional intensity and complexity.
io9: How does the film encourage viewers to watch it multiple times?
Tracy: The narrative is layered with moments that reward keen observers. While characters may seem obscure initially, a second viewing reveals their genuine selves through subtle hints, enhancing the overall experience.
Lanthimos: The film’s structure invites viewers to engage deeply. Certain visual hints and performers’ nuances become clearer on subsequent viewings, enriching the understanding of character motivations and interactions.
Bugonia is a film you’ll want to savor more than once. Catch it in limited release this weekend, followed by a wider release on October 31.
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