Yorgos Lanthimos Returns to Form with Paranoid Masterpiece "Bugonia"
In a post-truth era where facts are increasingly subjective, Yorgos Lanthimos's latest film, "Bugonia," is a masterclass in paranoia and absurdity. The Greek auteur has long been known for his dark humor and unconventional storytelling, but this new film marks a return to form for the writer-director.
Set in modern times, "Bugonia" follows Teddy Gatz (Jesse Plemons), a conspiracy-obsessed warehouse worker who kidnaps pharmaceutical CEO Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone). As Teddy becomes more unhinged, it's impossible to discern whether he's delusional or onto something. The film is a dizzying game of cat and mouse, with the audience constantly shifting allegiance between Teddy, Don (Aidan Delbis), and Michelle.
The script, penned by Will Tracy, is a masterclass in absurdity, but one that also feels alarmingly relevant to our current times. As we approach the anniversary of Luigi Mangione's assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, "Bugonia" feels like a bold statement about the dangers of misinformation and the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy.
Plemons gives a career-best performance as Teddy, bringing a sense of manic energy to the role. Stone, meanwhile, is her usual calculating self as Michelle, a character who's both captivatingly cold and infuriatingly unlikable. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, making it impossible not to be drawn into their twisted game.
Lanthimos's direction is effortlessly elegant, with Robbie Ryan's cinematography capturing the film in stunning 35mm. The grain adds a tactile immediacy to every frame, drawing the viewer into the world of "Bugonia."
If you're not familiar with Lanthimos's work or aren't on his wavelength, "Bugonia" might come across as alienating or even off-putting. But for fans of the director and those willing to take a risk on something new, this film is a must-see.
In short, "Bugonia" is a paranoid masterpiece that will leave you questioning your place in the universe. It's not a film that will win you over with traditional sentiment or emotional resonance but rather by its sheer audacity and willingness to challenge our perceptions of reality. That, in itself, is what makes it such a remarkable achievement from Yorgos Lanthimos.
In a post-truth era where facts are increasingly subjective, Yorgos Lanthimos's latest film, "Bugonia," is a masterclass in paranoia and absurdity. The Greek auteur has long been known for his dark humor and unconventional storytelling, but this new film marks a return to form for the writer-director.
Set in modern times, "Bugonia" follows Teddy Gatz (Jesse Plemons), a conspiracy-obsessed warehouse worker who kidnaps pharmaceutical CEO Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone). As Teddy becomes more unhinged, it's impossible to discern whether he's delusional or onto something. The film is a dizzying game of cat and mouse, with the audience constantly shifting allegiance between Teddy, Don (Aidan Delbis), and Michelle.
The script, penned by Will Tracy, is a masterclass in absurdity, but one that also feels alarmingly relevant to our current times. As we approach the anniversary of Luigi Mangione's assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, "Bugonia" feels like a bold statement about the dangers of misinformation and the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy.
Plemons gives a career-best performance as Teddy, bringing a sense of manic energy to the role. Stone, meanwhile, is her usual calculating self as Michelle, a character who's both captivatingly cold and infuriatingly unlikable. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, making it impossible not to be drawn into their twisted game.
Lanthimos's direction is effortlessly elegant, with Robbie Ryan's cinematography capturing the film in stunning 35mm. The grain adds a tactile immediacy to every frame, drawing the viewer into the world of "Bugonia."
If you're not familiar with Lanthimos's work or aren't on his wavelength, "Bugonia" might come across as alienating or even off-putting. But for fans of the director and those willing to take a risk on something new, this film is a must-see.
In short, "Bugonia" is a paranoid masterpiece that will leave you questioning your place in the universe. It's not a film that will win you over with traditional sentiment or emotional resonance but rather by its sheer audacity and willingness to challenge our perceptions of reality. That, in itself, is what makes it such a remarkable achievement from Yorgos Lanthimos.
I know some people might find it weird or even disturbing, but that's kinda the point - it's like, really thought-provoking and makes you question what's real and what's not in our world. And let's be honest, with all the crazy stuff going on right now 
, a film that explores paranoia and the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy is kinda like... needed? 
The cast is amazing too - Jesse Plemons as Teddy Gatz is giving me LIFE 
, and Emma Stone is just so captivating as Michelle. And Yorgos Lanthimos's direction is like, totally sleek and stylish 
. I might not be familiar with his work before, but now I'm super curious to check out more of his films! 
. And don't even get me started on Lanthimos's obsession with absurdity - it's just a bunch of nonsense if you ask me 
.
. And what's with the whole "questioning your place in the universe" thing? Give me a break, it's just a bunch of pretentious nonsense 
.
. And Emma Stone is still going on about her acting "range" when really she's just phoning it in like always 
.
! The way he weaves paranoia and absurdity together is like a wild rollercoaster ride in your mind 
. And that cast? Jessie Plemons is INSANE as Teddy 
! Emma Stone brings her A-game as Michelle, their chemistry is undeniable 
. Can't help but wonder if there's some truth to the conspiracy theories... 
. 10/10 would watch again, and probably many more times 
just watched bugonia and honestly i'm shook i mean whats up with the world right now where do we even start its like l Luigi Mangione assassinated brian thompson already like 5 yrs ago and now were supposed to believe this is some kinda wild conspiracy lol not buying it 
meanwhile in bugonia teddy's paranoid delusions are just so relatable idk man sometimes i feel like im trapped in a never ending loop of misinformation 
. I've seen some reviews saying it's a return to form for Yorgos Lanthimos, but I'm not sure if that's entirely true? Has anyone fact-checked the events in the film? Like, what's up with the pharmaceutical CEO getting kidnapped and all that? Is this based on real-life incidents or just something he came up with 
. And how did Luigi Mangione even get involved in a plot like that? Can someone please provide more context?
yorgos lanthimos is back and better than ever 
jesse plemons's performance as teddy gatz is insane 
but seriously, the whole film is like a fever dream that you can't look away from 
i loved how the script just goes all in on absurdity, like it's trying to break free from reality 
and emma stone is her usual awesome self as michelle fuller 
. just don't say i didn't warn you when you leave the cinema feeling all kinds of weirded out 
