Bugonia: Stream It or Skip It?
Yorgos Lanthimos returns with Bugonia, now streaming on Peacock and available on various VOD platforms. This film stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, continuing Lanthimos’ trademark brutal dark comedy style, based on the 2003 South Korean cult film Save the Green Planet!.
The story revolves around Teddy Gatz, a beekeeper convinced that alien Andromedans are poisoning bees to wipe out humanity. Alongside his autistic cousin Don, Teddy executes a bizarre plan involving chemical castration and kidnaping Michelle Fuller, a cold pharmaceutical CEO whom they believe is an alien.
Michelle Fuller is portrayed as a ruthless corporate leader focused on diversity speak and strict work culture policies. After being abducted, Michelle is subjected to electric torture while classic punk rock plays, illustrating Lanthimos’ dark artistic vision of human cruelty and societal decay.
Film Comparisons and Themes
Bugonia fits into a contemporary wave of films exploring societal nightmares and extremist mindsets, echoing works like Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. It also recalls movies such as Parasite, Under the Skin, and The Beekeeper in blending absurdity with intense human drama.
Emma Stone delivers a steely, authoritative performance, sharply contrasting with Jesse Plemons’ portrayal of an unhinged yet oddly sympathetic character. Their dynamic forms the emotional core of the film, even if the plot’s larger purpose remains murky.
Tone and Style
Sexuality is notably absent, contributing to the film’s bleak atmosphere. Lanthimos’ style remains unforgiving, filled with extreme violence, unlikable characters, and a dissonant score that heightens discomfort. This deliberate nihilism challenges viewers expecting traditional narratives of hope or empathy.
Despite the grimness, Lanthimos’ direction is precisely controlled, extracting intense performances and maintaining a pitch-black tone. The character Don offers a rare glimpse of human vulnerability, adding depth amidst the chaos.
Final Thoughts
Bugonia showcases Lanthimos at his most unflinching, presenting humanity as beyond redemption through stark visual storytelling and dark humor. While the film’s message is blunt and its shock value somewhat diminished, it remains a compelling watch for those drawn to unconventional cinema.
For fans of provocative filmmaking and razor-sharp performances, Bugonia offers a grim yet stylistically distinctive experience. Given Lanthimos’ reputation and this film’s boldness, it merits streaming and thoughtful viewing.
Read more at: decider.com-
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