The official poster for the upcoming film Bugonia features Emma Stone covered in blood and honey, signaling a striking visual for the movie. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, known for works such as The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Poor Things, the film’s trailer is set to premiere tomorrow. This black comedy sci-fi thriller will begin with a limited release on October 24, before expanding to a wider launch on October 31 through Focus Features.
Plot Centers on Kidnapping and an Alien Conspiracy
Bugonia follows two conspiracy-driven young men who believe the powerful CEO they kidnap is actually an alien aiming to destroy Earth. They imprison her in a basement, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable conflict between the paranoid captors and the cold, relentless executive. This unusual confrontation explores themes of mistrust and survival, blending dark humor with emotional depth.
Notable Cast and Crew Contributions
Emma Stone leads the cast alongside Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone. The screenplay, written by Will Tracy (The Menu), is an adaptation of the 2003 South Korean movie Save the Green Planet, originally directed by Jang Joon-Hwan. The project is produced by Ari Aster, acclaimed for Hereditary and Midsommar, alongside Lanthimos and Stone herself, bringing together a talented creative team.
Stone and Lanthimos Shaved Their Heads for Authenticity
In a commitment to the film, Emma Stone shaved her head for the role, with director Lanthimos doing the same to show solidarity. Stone shared,
“When I knew we were gonna do this, I said, ‘You’re gonna have to shave your head, too, so that we’re in solidarity,’”
and added,
“So we did. He shaved his head first and then shaved mine. We just kind of have to re-shave it every couple days. It’s not too big of a getting-ready process on this movie in the mornings, which has been nice.”
Upcoming Release and Anticipated Impact
With its intriguing plot and strong cast, Bugonia is positioned to attract fans of uniquely dark and cerebral films. The release schedule allows for initial audience response before wider distribution at the end of October. The film’s blend of sci-fi, thriller, and black comedy elements, combined with Lanthimos’s distinctive direction and Stone’s committed performance, suggests it will leave a notable impression on viewers interested in unconventional storytelling.
