While a high-profile kidnapping might seem like a familiar thriller trope, ‘Bugonia’ takes this premise to an entirely new, bizarre level. Imagine an alien conspiracy, sprinkled with pitch-black comedy, and an unusual obsession with bees – that’s Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest cinematic offering, and it’s certainly generating a lot of buzz.
Curious to know more? Here are five key things to understand about the film.
A Lanthimos Vision
If you’re familiar with the acclaimed director’s previous works, such as ‘The Lobster’ (2015), ‘The Favourite’ (2018), or ‘Poor Things’ (2023), you’ll recognize his distinctive surreal and often darkly humorous style. ‘Bugonia’ perfectly continues this trend.
The story plunges us into the world of two conspiracy theorists who abduct a powerful CEO, convinced she’s an alien orchestrating Earth’s destruction. The majority of the film unfolds within the confines of a claustrophobic basement. Amidst this tense hostage situation, the narrative delves into profound socioeconomic, environmental, and psychological questions. Yet, in classic Yorgos Lanthimos fashion, the dialogue and visuals are infused with his signature irreverence and absurdity.
This constant oscillation between the intense, contained drama of the house and expansive global themes, coupled with shifting power dynamics and the jarring mix of horror and humor, amplifies the film’s unsettling atmosphere. It sharply contrasts with the kidnappers’ unwavering, albeit warped, resolve as their plans unfold.
Some Familiar Faces
Leading the cast of ‘Bugonia’ are Emma Stone, portraying Michelle Fuller, the formidable head of the pharmaceutical giant Auxolith, and Jesse Plemons as Teddy, the conspiracy-driven mastermind behind Fuller’s abduction.
Both actors have previously collaborated with Lanthimos. Plemons appeared in his 2024 anthology film ‘Kinds of Kindness,’ which also featured Stone. Stone herself has partnered with the director on three other projects: ‘The Favourite,’ the 2022 short film ‘Bleat,’ and ‘Poor Things,’ for which she earned the 2024 Academy Award for Best Actress.
A Contemporary Reimagining
As bizarre as ‘Bugonia’s premise sounds, it’s not entirely original. The film draws inspiration from a 2003 Korean movie titled ‘Save the Green Planet!’ The updated screenplay, penned by Will Tracy during the early Covid lockdowns, relocates the action from South Korea to the USA, reframing its core themes within a contemporary American cultural context.
With credits like the acclaimed horror comedy ‘The Menu’ (2022) and the television behemoth ‘Succession’ to his name, Tracy boasts impressive credentials for crafting narratives that deliver sharp commentary on capitalist society and the Western zeitgeist. ‘Save The Green Planet!’ was actually brought to his attention by none other than Ari Aster (known for ‘Hereditary’ and ‘Midsommar’), who also serves as a producer on ‘Bugonia.’
The Bee(s) All and End All
Despite its modern setting, ‘Bugonia’s’ title harks back to ancient texts. Its Greek origins, a nod to Lanthimos’s heritage, translate to ‘ox birth’ and refer to a peculiar mystical practice.
The concept of bugonia, which appears throughout early Mediterranean literature, details how a beekeeper could miraculously replenish their hives by spontaneously generating a new colony from the decaying carcass of a young bull. This ancient practice not only directly relates to Teddy’s hobby in the film but also underpins his eccentric belief that by eliminating Michelle, he can save the world and, in turn, his cherished bees.
The ‘Truth’ Is Out There
As part of its ingenious marketing campaign, Focus Features has developed a series of immersive online materials for ‘Bugonia,’ allowing moviegoers to delve deeper into the worlds of both Teddy and Michelle.
Auxolith’s polished, capitalist facade can be explored through the fictional company’s professional page, where posts filled with corporate jargon extol innovation and the groundbreaking vision of its ‘fearless leader.’ This rigorously controlled language perfectly reflects the tightly scheduled, hustle-driven existence of Michelle, a one-percenter trapped within her privileged bubble.
In stark contrast, content inspired by the internet’s more niche corners, where conspiracy enthusiasts like Teddy gather, offers a glimpse into his world. Here, you can browse grassroots ‘research’ and resources purportedly collected by his fellow believers, providing valuable insight into his echo chamber and how his radicalization came to be.
Dive deeper into unsettling conspiracies and dark humor in Bugonia, in cinemas now.