Conspiracy theories have plagued the internet since its inception, from flat Earth to aliens living among us. Most of the time, these theories are harmless, but what would happen if someone were so passionate that they dedicated their life to one? That is the question Yorgos Lanthimos’ 2025 film, Bugonia, explores.
Bugonia is a reimagining of the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet, directed by Jang Joon-Hwan. Both films follow the same concept: two men believe a powerful CEO is an alien from Andromeda, so they kidnap the CEO to prove it. Bugonia follows Teddy, a conspiracy-obsessed, mentally ill man who manipulates his cousin Don to help him in a mission he believes will save the human race.
The film’s ominous narrative leads the audience to second-guess their own interpretation throughout its runtime. Emma Stone’s dynamic performance as kidnapped CEO Michelle Fuller supports this. Delivering a wide range of emotions, Stone’s masterful portrayal makes it difficult for viewers to decide whether Fuller is an alien.
The standout aspect of the film is Teddy and Don’s twisted relationship. Both leads possess very childish qualities, which makes the mature nature of what they are doing much more unsettling. From the beginning of the film, Teddy manipulates Don into doing exactly as he says and believing that he wants the same things, often against his own consent. Even though he is a deeply distraught and disturbed person, Teddy possesses a cult-leader kind of charm that, when paired with his clear mental illness, allows him to gain both pity and a small amount of respect from the few people he interacts with throughout the film.
Emma Stone delivers a fantastic performance that keeps the audience on their toes throughout the entire film. She portrays a heartless CEO with disturbing perfectionist characteristics similar to Christian Bale’s performance as Patrick Bateman in Mary Harron’s American Psycho. Initially, Stone’s performance shows what happens to this archetypal character when stripped of all her power and privilege, as well as when faced with an adversary who has no regard for the assets she values so highly. This, however, does change across the film’s runtime. Throughout the film, Stone keeps viewers guessing whether or not she is an alien. Even after viewers make their decision, the final reveal still manages to shock.
The film is visually unique compared to most other modern films. It was shot in a taller, less wide aspect ratio, setting it apart from films that aim for a wider frame. Additionally, the film often uses camera angles that create a voyeuristic, almost perverse vibe, as if the viewer is not supposed to see this and is intruding on the scene. This is reinforced by subtle visual distortions that dehumanize the leads and encourage viewers to question their stance on the conflict.
Composer Jerskin Fendrix’s score is what cements the film’s disturbing horror mood. The score often feels too grand for the mundane visuals it is paired with, but with the context of the story, it elevates many scenes from merely disturbing to borderline horrific.
Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia is a gripping look at obsession, mental health and how blurry the line can be between what’s real and what we choose to believe. With its unsettling story, powerful performances and visual style that makes viewers feel like they’re not supposed to see the events on screen, it prompts reflection and forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. Emma Stone’s portrayal of Michelle Fuller is especially captivating. When combined with the unique cinematography and a grand score, the film creates an experience that is both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. While Bugonia is a remake, it has enough distinctive qualities to stand out in the vast sea of alien films.
