Yorgos Lanthimos has built a reputation for creating darkly comic, surreal films that explore the absurdities of contemporary life. His latest film, “Bugonia,” is no exception, but it’s his most thrilling and thought-provoking work yet. The movie takes a chamber-piece approach to storytelling, focusing on the unlikely dialogue between two characters: Michelle (Emma Stone), a pharmaceutical company CEO, and Teddy (Jesse Plemons), an incel eco-terrorist with a neurodivergent cousin.
Their conversation is laced with contemporary divides, making it comical for its impossibility. One character knows only heartless corporate speak, while the other is addled by paranoia and extremism. This ideological dialogue drives the movie’s dark humor and satire, tackling themes of alienation, corporate greed, and environmental degradation.
While “Bugonia” has a unique feel compared to Lanthimos’ previous works, it feels like a culmination-slash-nadir in his filmography. The pacing drags in the middle, but the payoff is immense. The movie’s apocalyptic air of resignation and its unforgettable finale make it a must-see for fans of dark comedy.
With a runtime of 118 minutes and an R rating for bloody violent content, “Bugonia” is not for the faint of heart. However, it’s a thought-provoking and entertaining film that will leave audiences questioning the state of humanity and its relationship with technology and nature.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/bugonia-review-emma-stone-yorgos-lanthimos-jesse-plemons-137a0b3a3b74384dfcdebcd15374f93c