BUGONIA
Genre: Dark Comedy, Sci-Fi
Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis
Release: October 31, 2025
Platform: Theatrical
Rating: 5/5
By Crystal Justine
“BUGONIA moves with purpose and intensity being strange, sharp and deeply thought-provoking.”
BUGONIA is a dark comedy film adapted from the 2003 Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet! written and directed by Jang Joon-hwan. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, it’s an adaptation made in cinematic Heaven. Lanthimos has long mastered the balance of absurdity and beauty with his distinct blend of dark humor, surrealism, and emotional depth once again on full display here, much like the Oscar-winning Poor Things.
The story follows two conspiracy theorists who believe a powerful CEO is an alien plotting Earth’s demise. Determined to save humanity, the pair—played by Jesse Plemons and newcomer Aidan Delbis—scheme and train obsessively to abduct her. When their plan succeeds and the CEO finds herself trapped in a basement, the story unravels into something stranger, darker and far more human than expected.
As with most auteur directors, Lanthimos thrives through recurring collaborations with actors who understand his distinct vision. BUGONIA marks his fourth film with Emma Stone, following The Favourite, Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness. Together, they continue to push boundaries by diving deeper into bizarre, morally complex territory, while maintaining an emotional core that resonates beyond the weirdness.
Stone once again proves herself a powerhouse of an actress. Her performance swings seamlessly between commanding and vulnerable, humorous and horrifying—a true masterclass in tonal control. Opposite Stone, Plemons delivers what might be his best performance to date. He plays a man teetering on the edge of sanity, desperate to be taken seriously. His portrayal of a well-meaning but delusional crusader gives the film its emotional weight.
Aidan Delbis, in his feature film debut, more than holds his own. As Plemons’ hesitant partner-in-crime, Delbis brings nuance and empathy to a role that could’ve easily slipped into a caricature. The chemistry between Delbis and Plemons adds tension, heart and genuine urgency that grounds the chaos in something deeply human.
While BUGONIA stays true to Save the Green Planet! in structure, Lanthimos filters it through his uniquely warped lens. The result is both familiar and fresh with equal parts satire and existential tragedy. Beneath its absurd humor lies a biting critique of capitalism, environmental collapse, and the moral decay of modern society. You’ll laugh, but you’ll question whether or not you should. By the final act, that laughter may curdle into something profoundly sad, but each viewer seems leave with a different emotional reaction.
Visually, BUGONIA is stunning. The cinematography and color grading are luscious—drenched in rich reds and warm honey tones that mirror the poster’s palette. The production design captures both the excess of wealth and the bleakness of survival. Costume and makeup choices are pitch-perfect, with the final act’s bizarre ensemble work pushing the aesthetic into unforgettable territory.
Simply put, BUGONIA is one of the best films of 2025 thus far. Expect to see it dominate the upcoming awards season, likely scoring nominations for Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Director for Yorgos Lanthimos, Best Actress for Emma Stone and Best Actor for Jesse Plemons. At 118 minutes, BUGONIA moves with purpose and intensity being strange, sharp and deeply thought-provoking. It’s another exceptional entry in Lanthimos’ ever-evolving filmography and one best experienced in theaters, where its full brilliance can be truly absorbed.
