Emma Stone Shines as Possible Alien in Eccentric ‘Bugonia’ – Review

The new dark comedy film “Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, features Emma Stone in a captivating role. Stone portrays Michelle Fuller, a powerful CEO who becomes entangled in a bizarre conspiracy. The plot thickens when conspiracy theorists kidnap her, convinced she is an alien intent on destroying Earth.

Premise and Characters of ‘Bugonia’

In “Bugonia,” the character Teddy, played by Jesse Plemons, exemplifies a typical conspiracy theorist. Teddy believes that a race of aliens known as Andromedans is planning to take over humanity. He gathers insights from his beekeeping hobby and the depths of the internet. Teddy’s cousin, Don, portrayed by Aidan Delbis, joins him in a misguided quest to confront these supposed extraterrestrial threats.

Teddy’s fixation leads him to believe that Michelle is one of the aliens. He and Don launch a bizarre kidnapping operation that includes absurd tactics like shaving her head and applying “anti-alien” lotion. As they attempt to restrain her, Michelle uses her skills to fight back, creating moments of both tension and humor.

Strong Performances and Themes

• Emma Stone delivers a compelling performance, illustrating Michelle’s struggle to maintain her innocence.
• Jesse Plemons showcases Teddy’s mix of fervent belief and relatable vulnerability.
• Aidan Delbis makes a notable impression with his portrayal of Don, caught between loyalty and morality.

The film’s themes touch on human isolation and the ethical treatment of one another and the planet. While Lanthimos maintains his signature absurdity, “Bugonia” is designed to entertain rather than be a deep philosophical treatise.

Reception and Release Details

“Bugonia” has garnered mixed reviews, currently holding a rating of ★★★ out of four. It is not just a dark comedy but a blend of sci-fi and psychological elements. The film is rated R for its intense content, including violence and strong language.

This quirky film is available in select theaters now, with a wider release set for October 31. As audiences dive into the odd world of “Bugonia,” they can anticipate a rollercoaster of bizarre scenarios that challenge perceptions of reality.

In conclusion, Emma Stone’s portrayal as a possible alien in ‘Bugonia’ exemplifies both her talents and the film’s unique narrative style. With its mixture of absurdity and psychological depth, “Bugonia” proves to be one of Lanthimos’ more accessible projects.