The Wasteland Reviewer

Bugonia (2025) Written Review

What does Yorgos Lanthimos have up his sleeve for his next cinematic wonder? This is one of the most unique and challenging filmmakers working today. He tackles taboo topics with unabashed freedom along with some darkly twisted humor. There is also bold creativity that has become a trademark of his work. You have people turning into animals for a new lease on life. A woman brought to life with the mind of an infant in a Frankenstein reimaging. You even have sex cults and strange controlling relationships. But Lanthimos’ next film is certainly out of this world…or is it? A story of kidnapping, paranoia, and aliens…it is Bugonia. 

How does Lanthimos bring this original Korean science fiction thriller to life? As you would expect, there are plenty of the trappings you want out of a Lanthimos film. The visual styling of the film fits right in with so many of his other films. You have shots of characters walking with wide, exaggerated, fish-eyed lenses. You have uncomfortable close-ups that heighten the paranoia driven story and claustrophobic setting. There is a strange and specific atmosphere in the film that feels so “Lanthimos”. Awkward, dry, and off kilter for sure. This offbeat presentation works well for a story that is so topsy-turvy that you are never quite sure what is real or what is the paranoid delusions of its characters. Robbie Ryan’s cinematography is quite excellent and engaging and the effects in the film feel so organic no matter how bloody or otherworldly they might get. The music of the film fits perfectly as well with a great use of Chappell Roan and an intense, boisterous, and impactful score from Jerskin Fendrix. Bloody. Intense. Horrifying. Hilarious. Unexpectedly. They all spell Lanthimos for sure. 

How does this wild story come to life from Will Tracy’s script? Based on Jang Joon-hwan’s film, this film tells the story of a paranoid, conspiracy theorist (Jesse Plemons) and his cousin (Aidan Delbis), who relies deeply upon his cousin, kidnap a powerful female executive (Emma Stone). Why? She is an alien, of course! Plemons’ Teddy blames this woman for the, soon to be, destruction of Earth. Teddy is motivated but his sick mother and his drive to reveal the truth. But the film does a great job of crafting the mystery and keeping the audience on their toes. Do aliens exist and Stone’s Michelle is a threat?  Or is it true and is she here to help? Or it could just be a paranoid delusion of a desperate man? This mystery drives the characters and the story along in quite an engrossing way. The plot does get a bit repetitive within its confined structure (even if those elements are brutal and shocking for sure). The revelations of the story might even be a bit polarizing for most. But this film packs a huge punch and is the type of cinematic experience that deserves to be experienced in all its strange, bloody madness. The themes of the film are blunt and obvious, but they certainly pack a punch too. The destructive nature of conspiracies. The destruction of our planet. The fear of “the other”. Lanthimos and Tracy tackle it all. 

What really brings this paranoia, tension, and dark humor to life? The trio of actors who anchor the film down are working some wonder. Stone has done some of her best work with Lanthimos and she continues to do so here. We are introduced to a confident, direct, and intense individual who is biting as well as a little bit awkward. Physicality has always been something that Stone has been able to flex in her roles with Lanthimos and that continues in Bugonia. There are moments that call for hampered walking as well as a presence that isn’t quite human and Stone handles them organically. The climax of the film requires a bit of mystery and Stone delivers a performance that fluctuates between unadulterated confidence and a discomfort that keeps Plemons and the audience on their toes. Plemons also has been delivering some great work within the cinematic voice of Lanthimos and that also continues here. His ability to feel overcome by fear, paranoia, and intensity works perfectly for the character of Teddy. Plemons sells Teddy’s paranoia with authenticity and plenty of ferocity. The tension between Stone and Plemons is palpable and does wonders for the overall experience. Delbis deserves some praise as well for his empathetic and sincere performance that gives a strong feeling of innocence. 

Has Lanthimos delivered another cinematic masterpiece with his new darkly funny and twisted paranoid thriller? Bugonia is not one of Lanthimos’ strongest efforts, but it feels so confident and bold in its execution. There is something so compelling and mysterious in Bugonia and Lanthimos does amazing work to realize that on screen. Stone and Plemons both deliver powerhouse performances that create an impressive amount of friction between them. The craft is unmatched with this fully realized atmosphere that is so hard to replicate. Getting ready for a twisted thrill ride that will keep you on your toes until those credits start to roll at the end.