Emma Stone delivers an extraordinary lead portrayal in the new film Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, which premiered at the Middleburg Film Festival and opens in limited release on October 24, followed by a wide release on October 31. The Emma Stone Bugonia Performance marks another high point in the ongoing collaboration between Stone and Lanthimos, as the film navigates intense themes of conspiracy, power, and despair through a dark, absurd comedy set in a decaying American town.
A Dark Tale of Conspiracy and Power in Bugonia
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia centers on Teddy, portrayed by Jesse Plemons, a man gripped by the belief that extraterrestrials are orchestrating Earth’s demise. Teddy and his cousin Don, played by Aidan Delbis, embark on a desperate mission to kidnap Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone), the powerful CEO of a pharmaceutical company Teddy works for, suspecting she is one of the alien invaders. Their ragtag operation unfolds in weathered shopping centers and Teddy’s rundown home, which becomes the confined stage for their unsettling drama.
In Teddy’s eyes, the forces manipulating the world are beyond human control:
we are not steering the ship — they are,
he asserts, a line reflecting the broader suspicion of those in power, whether alien or corporate. Shaving Michelle’s head to disrupt her alien communications and detaining her in their basement, Teddy demands that she reveal her true identity within four days, hoping this confession will halt the impending destruction threatening humanity.
An Intelligent Reimagining of a South Korean Cult Film
Bugonia is inspired by the 2003 South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!, updated by Lanthimos and screenwriter Will Tracy to explore contemporary social grievances. Unlike the original’s chaotic rhythm, this adaptation offers a more measured pace, deepening its critique of societal inequality and systemic frustration. The film juxtaposes Teddy’s raw, conspiratorial desperation against Michelle’s composed corporate ambition, probing the growing chasm between the disenfranchised and the elite.
While Tracy’s previous screenplay for The Menu also tackled class tensions, Bugonia expands these themes by examining how such disparities might push individuals toward extreme, unsettling actions. The film’s claustrophobic setting—the bulk of the story takes place in Teddy and Don’s humble home—heightens the tension, with an atmospheric score by Jerskin Fendrix that elevates Teddy’s mission to an epic, almost mythic struggle.
Remarkably, Bugonia bears resemblance to Lanthimos’ breakthrough film Dogtooth, both showcasing a world of chaotic psychology contained within the walls of an ordinary household. Yet, Bugonia also signals a stylistic restraint in Lanthimos’ work, as the writer-director tempers his signature surrealism with a deeper emotional resonance, reflecting on modern alienation and anger at those who hold power but remain indifferent to suffering.
Stellar Chemistry Between Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons
At its core, Bugonia thrives on the intense dynamic between its lead actors. Emma Stone’s portrayal of Michelle is layered and compelling, shifting from vulnerable captive to manipulative strategist while illuminating the complexities of her character. Each interaction with Teddy reveals new facets, demanding a performance rich in subtlety and versatility. The script’s mix of grim darkness and absurd humor allows Stone to demonstrate her full range, balancing the film’s intensity with sharp comedic timing.
Jesse Plemons, returning to work with Lanthimos and Stone after Kinds of Kindness, brings profound depth to Teddy, a man caught between paranoia and a desperate quest for truth. His portrayal captures Teddy’s mounting desperation as he grapples with a painful reality by retreating into an alien conspiracy theory. Plemons evokes sympathy and dread simultaneously, making Teddy both an unsettling captor and a tragic figure striving to be a hero in a hostile world.
Aidan Delbis, making his feature debut as Don, provides a grounding presence amidst the turmoil. As the cousin who follows Teddy’s lead but increasingly questions the escalating extremes, Delbis adds an essential emotional counterbalance. Don’s uncertain loyalty and moments of compassion toward Michelle illuminate the humanity even in fractured relationships. His role, absent from the original South Korean screenplay, enriches the story’s emotional complexity and underlines the film’s meditations on trust and desperation.
Bugonia’s Reflection of Contemporary Struggles and Social Divide
The film’s tense interplay between captor and captive serves as a metaphor for modern societal divisions. Teddy symbolizes those left behind in decaying towns and broken systems, seeking answers for a world that has become unpredictable and hostile. Meanwhile, Michelle embodies the faceless power structures seemingly indifferent to everyday suffering. This standoff between belief and reality, hope and control, drives much of Bugonia’s emotional weight.
Bugonia’s unique tone—part horror, part dark comedy—creates an unsettling atmosphere that echoes current anxieties about inequality and powerlessness. Lanthimos’ direction challenges viewers to confront the desperation that can lead to extreme acts, while also questioning who the true monsters are in today’s fractured society. With performances that demand repeated viewings, the film prompts reflection on the fine line between victim and aggressor.
Similar in spirit to contemporary films like One Battle After Another and Park Chan-wook’s upcoming No Other Choice, Bugonia uncovers what it means to navigate life in 2025, marked by instability and disillusionment. Through the remarkable Emma Stone Bugonia Performance and a haunting narrative, Lanthimos offers one of the most provocative films of the year, reinforcing his place as a filmmaker unafraid to explore unsettling, thought-provoking territory.
Bugonia’s limited release beginning October 24 will allow a wider audience to experience this singular collaboration. Thanks to Lanthimos’ daring vision and the powerhouse performances of Stone, Plemons, and Delbis, the film stands as a striking, unforgettable work that confronts the dark corners of the human mind and society’s fractured state.
