It’s been over a year since actor Jesse Plemons shot his second film in two years, “Bugonia,” a surrealist farce from Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos. The 37-year-old actor has come a long way since his breakout role as awkward nerd Landry Clarke on “Friday Night Lights” and has become one of the most sought-after actors for auteurs like Martin Scorsese, Charlie Kaufman, and Jane Campion.
Plemons’ relationship with actress Kirsten Dunst, whom he met on FX’s 2015 season of “Fargo,” has been a key factor in his career growth. The two have been in a long-term relationship since they played spouses on the show, and their personal connection has brought them both critical acclaim.
In “Bugonia,” Plemons plays Teddy, a character who is desperate to stop the apocalypse and kidnaps CEO Michelle Fuller (Stone) to save humanity from an alien threat. Despite playing a lead role in the film, Plemons says he doesn’t think of himself as a leading man, preferring to focus on his craft rather than his personal success.
Plemons’ preparation for the role involved delving into conspiracy theories and researching online phenomena like the “Birds Aren’t Real” theory. He also read books like Naomi Klein’s “Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World,” which explores the concept of polarization in our age.
The film is a showcase for Plemons, who has delivered critically acclaimed performances in several recent films, including “Civil War” and “Kinds of Kindness.” Director Yorgos Lanthimos praises Plemons’ range as an actor, saying he had to play three different characters in the same film.
With his rise to auteur status, Plemons is no longer just an ensemble player but a masterful actor who can carry a film. His work has resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying his position as one of the most exciting actors working today.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2025/11/04/jesse-plemons-bugonia-oscar-buzz