Bugonia (Yorgos Lanthomos, 2025): Ireland | United Kingdom | Canada | United States

Reviewed by Kara Raynaud. Viewed at SBIFF.

Bugonia is an anti-capitalistic ride of creative brilliance. The story’s principle character features a mentally disturbed underling, Teddy, played by Jesse Plemons, who works as a factory worker in the for an outrageously wealthy CEO played by Emma Stone.  After suffering a mental collapse, Teddy becomes convinced she’s an alien sent to take over planet earth and believes it’s his job to stop her. As Teddy, Plemons is captivating to watch, so much so that you actually believe what he sees in the confines of his conflicted brain. As the story unfolds, Teddy manipulates his disabled cousin Don, into believing everything inside his head is real and the that the two must join forces to circumvent this alien takeover. Watching it play out under the hands of Yorgos Lanthimos is  mind-boggling, to say the least.

For the most part, the film takes place in a cluttered basement of Teddy’s home, where Teddy’s ideological warfare plays out with escalating intensity. The 70’s colonial furnishings, rife with dust and grime, give the illusion that the inhabitants of the home are somehow frozen in their pasts. Stone’s visceral performance as Michelle Fuller, is reminiscent of Frank Whaley’s 1994 performance in Swimming with Sharks. The writing both provocative and misleading, builds tension within the scene leading us to wonder who the crazy one truly is. 

The cinematography by Robbie Ryan is magical, often comedic in its rendering of the story. The haunting score vacillates between high operatic tones and total silence, adding yet another layer of psychological warfare. Lanthimos is a master of the long shot. His use of them — pulling us in and pushing us back — adds yet another dimension to the story. It’s a scary tale, mostly because people in the world, left unmedicated, truly do exist and paired with a willing accomplice, can create an environment of unsurmountable terror. 

The table scenes, which are often the most difficult to stage, were shot with ease. The centerline use of the table, taking in all the characters, jumping between medium and long medium shots haphazardly while focusing on the internal struggles of the characters added a tension like no other. Bugonia is both groundbreaking and eccentric. I will watch it again and again. The screenplay, written by Jang-Joon Hwan and Will Tracy is unpredictable while at the same time, incredibly thought provoking–– especially in today’s presents climate. This film is a must for any filmmaker.

WATCH IT!

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Published:
02.24.26 / 11am
Category:
Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2026