Bugonia (2025): Yorgos Lanthimos Delivers a Darkly Comic Sci-Fi Thriller

World Biz Magazine - Film News

Acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos returns with Bugonia (2025), a genre-bending blend of comedy, thriller, crime, and science fiction. The film, adapted from Jang Joon-hwan’s cult Korean classic Save the Green Planet!, premiered at the Venice Film Festival on August 28, 2025, before its wide U.S. release on October 24, 2025.

Production and Creative Team

·       Director Yorgos Lanthimos: Known for Poor Things and The Favourite, Lanthimos brings his signature surrealist style to a story of paranoia and conspiracy.

·       Writers Will Tracy & Jang Joon-hwan: Tracy, recognized for The Menu, collaborates with Jang, the original creator of Save the Green Planet!, ensuring authenticity in adaptation.

·       Production Companies: Element Pictures, Square Peg, CJ ENM, Pith, and Fruit Tree Enterprises.

·       Distribution: Focus Features (worldwide) and CJ ENM (South Korea).

Cast

·       Emma Stone: Reunites with Lanthimos after Poor Things, portraying the enigmatic CEO.

·       Jesse Plemons: Plays one of the conspiracy-obsessed kidnappers.

·       Aidan Delbis: Rising talent in a pivotal role.

·       Supporting cast includes Alicia Silverstone, Stavros Halkias, and Robbie Ryan’s cinematography adds visual flair.

Plot Overview

Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap a powerful CEO, convinced she is an alien bent on Earth’s destruction. What follows is a tense, darkly comic exploration of paranoia, power, and human fragility.

Market Progress & Industry Context

·       Budget: Estimated between $45–55 million.

·       Running Time: 118–119 minutes.

·       Box Office: Early reports indicate $35 million worldwide gross.

·       Festival Reception: Premiered at Venice, generating strong buzz for its audacious mix of satire and sci-fi.

·       Industry Positioning: Lanthimos continues to push boundaries, with Bugonia positioned as one of 2025’s most ambitious international co-productions.

Critical Reception

Early reviews praise Lanthimos’ ability to balance absurdist humor with unsettling tension. Emma Stone’s performance is highlighted as both commanding and enigmatic, while Jesse Plemons delivers a nuanced portrayal of paranoia. Critics note the film’s thematic resonance in an era of conspiracy theories and corporate distrust.