Yorgos Lanthimos' latest opus, "Bugonia," is a scathing commentary on our times that feels both timely and timeless. The film's protagonist, Teddy Gatz (played by Jesse Plemons), is a paranoid conspiracy theorist who kidnaps the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone), believing her to be an alien sent to destroy humanity.
Lanthimos' script, co-written with Will Tracy, is a masterclass in building tension and unease. The film's pacing is relentless, keeping the viewer on edge as Teddy and his intellectually disabled cousin, Don (Aidan Delbis), concoct their hare-brained scheme to "save the world." The script's reliance on absurdity and dark humor makes for a wildly entertaining ride, but it also raises important questions about the nature of truth and reality.
Plemons' performance is a highlight of the film, bringing a manic energy to Teddy that's both captivating and terrifying. Stone, meanwhile, shines as the icy, calculating Michelle, making it impossible to discern whether she's a lizard person or simply a heartless CEO. The chemistry between Plemons and Stone is undeniable, and their on-screen battle of wits is both mesmerizing and uncomfortable.
Lanthimos' direction is as elegant as ever, with cinematographer Robbie Ryan capturing stunning 35mm footage that adds to the film's sense of unease and disorientation. The grainy texture of the film stock seems to seep into every frame, imbuing the entire production with a sense of grit and realism.
If you're new to Lanthimos' oeuvre, "Bugonia" might not be enough to win you over. His films often require a certain level of dedication and willingness to confront uncomfortable ideas. However, if you're already familiar with his work or are simply looking for another thought-provoking cinematic experience, "Bugonia" is sure to deliver.
Ultimately, Lanthimos' film is less about providing emotional closure than it is about leaving the audience questioning their place in the world and the nature of reality. It's a bold, uncompromising statement that feels both provocative and prescient. Love it or hate it, "Bugonia" is a Yorgos Lanthimos film – and that alone should be enough to pique your interest.
Grade: B+
Lanthimos' script, co-written with Will Tracy, is a masterclass in building tension and unease. The film's pacing is relentless, keeping the viewer on edge as Teddy and his intellectually disabled cousin, Don (Aidan Delbis), concoct their hare-brained scheme to "save the world." The script's reliance on absurdity and dark humor makes for a wildly entertaining ride, but it also raises important questions about the nature of truth and reality.
Plemons' performance is a highlight of the film, bringing a manic energy to Teddy that's both captivating and terrifying. Stone, meanwhile, shines as the icy, calculating Michelle, making it impossible to discern whether she's a lizard person or simply a heartless CEO. The chemistry between Plemons and Stone is undeniable, and their on-screen battle of wits is both mesmerizing and uncomfortable.
Lanthimos' direction is as elegant as ever, with cinematographer Robbie Ryan capturing stunning 35mm footage that adds to the film's sense of unease and disorientation. The grainy texture of the film stock seems to seep into every frame, imbuing the entire production with a sense of grit and realism.
If you're new to Lanthimos' oeuvre, "Bugonia" might not be enough to win you over. His films often require a certain level of dedication and willingness to confront uncomfortable ideas. However, if you're already familiar with his work or are simply looking for another thought-provoking cinematic experience, "Bugonia" is sure to deliver.
Ultimately, Lanthimos' film is less about providing emotional closure than it is about leaving the audience questioning their place in the world and the nature of reality. It's a bold, uncompromising statement that feels both provocative and prescient. Love it or hate it, "Bugonia" is a Yorgos Lanthimos film – and that alone should be enough to pique your interest.
Grade: B+
So I was watching this new film by Yorgos Lanthimos called "Bugonia" and I gotta say, it's got some serious food for thought. The main guy's paranoia is kinda relatable in today's world where everyone's always talking about conspiracy theories 
. And Emma Stone as the CEO? She's like a cold, calculating robot, which was actually really unsettling 
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. The pacing in this film is insane, it keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time 
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. If you're up for something that'll challenge your perspective, "Bugonia" might be just what you need.
The way Lanthimos tackles conspiracies and reality is so thought-provoking. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, wondering what was real and what wasn't. Plemons' performance as Teddy is insane – he's like a force of nature or something 
. And Emma Stone's character? Totally creepy and captivating at the same time 
. The film's pacing is relentless, just when you think it's gonna be one thing, it takes a wild turn 
. Definitely not for everyone, but if you're in for a mental ride, this is the film for you 
. It's like Lanthimos took all the anxiety and paranoia of our current world and put it on screen in a way that's both mesmerizing and unsettling 
. The tension builds and builds until you're right there with Teddy, wondering if he's crazy or just... what? 
Jesse Plemons gives an absolute show-stopper as the protagonist, and Emma Stone is equally chilling as the CEO who might or might not be an alien 
. What I love most about this film is how it forces you to confront some really uncomfortable questions about truth and reality – it's like Lanthimos is challenging us to question everything 
... the whole thing with teddy kidnapping michelle feels kinda like a commentary on how we're all just trying to make sense of this crazy world, but often end up getting lost in our own paranoia 
and put them on screen. I mean, I love how tense and weird it is, but at times it felt like a fever dream 
. Jesse Plemons as that paranoid guy was so manic I was like "is he for real?!" 
But Emma Stone's character... girl, she's got some serious ice in her veins 
. And that cinematography? wow, the grainy 35mm stuff added this whole other level of unease to it 
. If you're new to Lanthimos' work, be prepared to have your mind blown, but if you know what to expect, you'll probably just appreciate the thought-provoking weirdness.
. the way he builds tension and unease in this film is insane 
. jesse plemons as teddy gatz is literally perfect 
. his manic energy is so captivating, but also super unsettling 
. i loved how the film blended absurdity with dark humor - it's like lanthimos was poking fun at our current societal issues, but still making you think about them afterwards 
. anyhoo, if u haven't seen bugonia yet, def add it to ur watchlist 
, but emma stone's character Michelle Fuller is SO COOL 
overall, bugonia is a wild ride that will keep you guessing until the very end 
. jesse plemons as the main guy is so manic energy i can get behind that 
and emma stone as the CEO/aliens hybrid is so icy calm i love it 
. would def recommend for fans of thought-provoking cinema 
and plemons' performance is just wow, he's like a human tornado 
overall i gotta give it to lanthimos though, he's def not afraid 2 push boundaries and make u think 
It's like, you're laughing at all the absurdity, but then you realize just how twisted and dark it is. That script is a masterclass in building tension, for sure... I love how it makes you question what's real and what's not. 
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