In the latest collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, ‘Bugonia’ emerges as a thrilling exploration of conspiracy and absurdity, featuring standout performances that captivate audiences.
‘Bugonia’ Review: A Surreal Journey into Conspiracy
Coming off last year’s disappointing anthology film Kinds of Kindness, the fifth collaboration of director Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone marks a triumphant return to form. Bugonia is a dizzying, batshit-crazy story that ranks alongside the filmmaker’s best works: Poor Things, The Favourite, Dogtooth, and The Lobster. Each film shares a surreal quality with this one, with the title referring to an ancient Greek belief in the birth of bees from dead cows. This theme resonates deeply in today’s misinformation age, reflecting the conspiracy-theorist nutjobs lurking in the darkest corners of the internet.
Stellar Performances and Absurdity
With bravura performances from both Stone, who pulls out all the stops, and a magnificently unhinged Jesse Plemons—who won the Cannes Best Actor prize for playing three different roles in Kinds of Kindness—this film teeters on the edge of complete absurdity. However, it maintains just enough credibility in its wildest moments to earn its place in the paranoid thriller genre. It could also be classified as a very dark comedy, as Lanthimos’ works defy easy categorization.
The Plot Unfolds
Plemons plays Teddy, a disgruntled man who blames the world for his miserable life. He believes that modern ecological disasters and his own failures are orchestrated by Michelle, the slick CEO of a pharmaceutical bioengineering company. Teddy, also a beekeeper, and his shy cousin Don (Aidan Delbis) set out to kidnap her, convinced she is an alien sent to destroy Earth.
They corner her in the driveway of her luxurious home, tie her up, and take her to Teddy’s remote childhood home, now a lonely place due to his mother’s hospitalization. On Teddy’s orders, Don shaves her head while she lies on a slab, only for her to awaken and realize she has been abducted.
A Tense Dynamic
The ensuing dialogue-heavy relationship forces Michelle to rely on her wits to survive, as she attempts to connect with this clearly disturbed individual who claims to be “the one in charge.” Teddy identifies with the discarded bees he tends to, and his conspiracy theories echo sentiments that resonate with many today. It’s revealed that he even works at Michelle’s company, making his actions all the more plausible.
Similar to Stephen King’s Misery, the cat-and-mouse game between Teddy and Michelle is captivating. Plemons brings a tragically human dimension to his character, evoking sympathy despite his misguided beliefs. Don gradually realizes the enormity of their situation, understanding that abducting a high-profile executive is not a wise decision. Yet, Teddy remains convinced of his theories, oblivious to the consequences.
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Visual Mastery and Themes
The film’s sharp dialogue could easily translate to a stage play, but Lanthimos enriches it with a striking visual style, utilizing virtually abandoned VistaVision cameras. Cinematographer Robbie Ryan creates pure cinematic magic, while production designer James Price enhances the fantastical premise.
Lanthimos and screenwriter Will Tracy, inspired by the 2003 Korean film Save the Green Planet, tap into the discontent felt by many in today’s society, delivering a narrative filled with unexpected twists. Stone portrays a brilliant woman attempting to navigate the chaos, while Plemons delivers a performance that balances high energy with deep humanity. Newcomer Delbis is perfectly cast, embodying the conflicted cousin who questions Teddy’s actions.
Bugonia may be outrageous, but it resonates with a world spiraling out of control. It is pure entertainment, yet it carries a poignant message that deserves our attention.
