Yorgos Lanthimos delivers a unique take on society’s discontent in his latest film, “Bugonia.” This dark comedy centers around Teddy, a paranoid beekeeper, and his naïve cousin Donny, who believe they must kidnap a biotech CEO, Michelle, played by Emma Stone. They think she’s an alien bent on humanity’s destruction, a wild idea drawn from conspiracy theories and online rants.
The film starts with urgency. Teddy and Donny train in their shabby home while Michelle maintains her pristine lifestyle in a sleek house. Teddy and Donny’s odd rituals, including physical conditioning and “cleansing” themselves of their fears, contrast sharply with Michelle’s routine of exercise and vitamins. This sets up a tense moment when they kidnap her, believing they can uncover her secrets.
Lanthimos cleverly uses visual techniques to enhance the story. In confrontational scenes between Teddy and Michelle, he films Teddy from below and Michelle from above, amplifying the power dynamics. Michelle, with her bald head, echoes figures from classic cinema, evoking empathy amidst her dilemma. The film raises questions about who the true monsters are—Teddy and Donny or those who profit from humanity’s suffering?
Through sharp exchanges, Lanthimos finds humor, balancing the heaviness of the plot. Plemons and Stone excel in their roles, conveying tension with small expressions and gestures. The character of Donny, played by autistic actor Delbis, offers an intriguing dynamic, with his unique way of communicating providing humor and depth.
“Bugonia” taps into broader themes of frustration and rage towards societal issues, particularly corporate greed and environmental degradation. Teddy’s obsession with unraveling the truth about Michelle mirrors a larger critique of the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on everyday lives. He believes they must break her mentally before the next lunar eclipse, intensifying the countdown to their goal.
Visually, the film tones down Lanthimos’s usual style, favoring atmospheric lighting that reflects the film’s darker themes. The soundtrack creates an unsettling sense of urgency, reinforcing the film’s critique of society’s obsession with materialism.
By the end of the film, viewers are left questioning the true nature of the characters. Are Teddy and Donny misguided heroes, or just misguided fools? Lanthimos keeps the audience guessing about Michelle’s identity, blurring moral lines. The narrative touches on contemporary issues like anti-science sentiment and corporate dominance, sparking conversation about how society treats those outside of mainstream beliefs.
The film’s core message revolves around cleansing oneself of “psychic compulsions.” This phrase hints at deeper psychological battles that many face today. As an outsider himself, Lanthimos observes America’s flaws, suggesting that human selfishness may ultimately lead to our downfall. If we don’t confront these aspects, perhaps our species deserves to dwindle away.
This review is based on a viewing from the Telluride Film Festival, with a wider release scheduled for October 24th.
