The Stream: It takes a while to get on the same absurdist wavelength as the movie.

The Big Screen: Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone going for broke.

The Final Bill: A complicated and strange dark comedy thrives on strong performances from Plemons and Stone.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Writers: Will Tracy based on Save the Green Planet! by Jang Joon-hwan
Stars: Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Emma Stone, Alicia Silverstone, Stavros Halkias
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi
Rating: R for bloody violent content including a suicide, grisly images and language.
Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes
Production Companies: Focus Features, Fremantle, Element Pictures, Square Peg, CJ ENM, Pith Quest Films, Fruit Tree
Platform: In theaters October 31, 2025
Notable Trailers: Song Sung Blue, Hamnet

It’s been a busy month, Streamers! The theaters were buzzing with horror movies and prestige pics. Bugonia is a little bit of both. Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite, The Lobster) has directeed this remake of a 2003 Korean film, Save the Green Planet! In Bugonia, Teddy (Jesse Plemons) and Don (Aidan Delbis) are cousins who are convinced that Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone), a powerful CEO, is an alien sent to destroy Earth. Teddy and Don concoct a plan to kidnap Michelle in order to prevent Michelle from carrying out her destructive plan. Conspiracy theorizing hijinks ensue.

If you didn’t already know, a movie directed by Yorgos Lanthimos is going to be quirky and strange, and Bugonia is no different. If you want a straightforward narrative, you should probably look elsewhere. This premise is daffy and comedic while also being kind of frightening and bleak. Lanthimos balances these tones pretty well. I can see the sense of humor in this movie being very polarizing. Then, there are unexpected bursts of violence that help escalate the tension of the story, which is aided by a very busy orchestral score. Beyond that, this screenplay is dense and complicated, and as the story progresses, it gets a little stagnant and talky. I wish the middle portion was more propulsive. Even though it may drag a bit or get repetitive in the middle, this movie requires you to be invested and pay attention even when things get a little crazy.

Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone are up for the challenge of their complicated characters. Both of these characters can be off-putting, but both Plemons and Stone go for broke in portraying them, which draws the audience in. They play off each other well, too. I don’t think this movie would be nearly as entertaining or successful without these talented actors giving it their all.

Ultimately, Bugonia is a dark comedy that may be difficult for some to vibe with. The premise is intriguing and original, and Lanthimos uses his quirky sensibility to build a unique world. The movie gets a little talky in the middle; but, for those willing to stick with it, Bugonia bursts with surprises and entertainment. Be warned: Your mileage may vary. For Lanthimos fans, grab your big box of popcorn and buzz to the theater. All others should maybe wait until it alights on your favorite streaming service.