Bugonia is one of those films where you think you know the ending — and the director knows you think you know it too. Instead of trying to hide the inevitable, the film plays into that awareness, layering fake-outs and narrative swerves that make you second-guess every assumption. The result is a story that’s both self-aware and unpredictable — a psychological chess game between filmmaker and audience that’s as entertaining as it is deliberately manipulative.
Bugonia stars Emma Stone as Michelle, the CEO of a major company, Jesse Plemons as Teddy, and Aidan Delbis as Don. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this film marks the third collaboration between Lanthimos and Stone, and the second one featuring both Stone and Plemons. Produced by Focus Features, the film runs a tight 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Going into this film, I had a good idea of what the big plot twist might be. The trailers — and my own film instincts — led me to a specific conclusion, so I spent most of the runtime waiting for that moment to happen. But Bugonia had other plans. Lanthimos plays it smart, throwing in unexpected twists that catch you off guard precisely because you’re so focused on the one you think is coming. I knew this film would mess with my expectations, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The story follows two conspiracy theorists, Teddy and Don, who believe the CEO of a massive corporation is actually an alien bent on destroying humanity. After they kidnap her and shave her head, they hold her captive, demanding that she communicate with her so-called “leaders.” From there, everything begins to unravel. Despite all its twists, the plot remains surprisingly easy to follow — at least until the end, which I’ll get to later. The premise feels believable, too; after all, real-world cases exist of people claiming high-profile figures aren’t human. Even with minimal action, the movie keeps you hooked. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Bugonia psychologically manipulates you in ways that are hard to explain — and even harder to shake.
The film shifts perspectives between Teddy and Michelle, showing both sides of the madness. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons deliver outstanding performances, but Stone in particular is phenomenal. She completely sells her role — maybe the best performance I’ve seen from her. Plemons continues to prove he’s one of the best at portraying troubled, offbeat characters. I genuinely cared about Teddy and his desperate attempt to “save” humanity.
This was my first Yorgos Lanthimos film, and I was left speechless. He masterfully manipulates the audience into believing they know what the twist will be — then makes them doubt it entirely. Without spoiling anything, the film intentionally plants inconsistencies that serve as red herrings. It’s clever, though at times it leaves a few small plot holes. Still, none of it detracts from the experience. The pacing is deliberate — slow at first, but ultimately rewarding. Lanthimos’s visual style is unmistakable, using unusual lenses and a square format that heightens the film’s eerie, claustrophobic tension.
The soundtrack deserves a mention, too. It perfectly complements the tone of each scene, especially during the more intense sequences. The score amplifies the unease and tension without ever feeling overbearing.
Overall, Bugonia is one of the most memorable films I’ve seen this year. It’s a rollercoaster that constantly challenges what you think you know. Despite a few inconsistencies, I loved nearly everything about it — it’s a genuinely gripping thriller. I can’t compare it to anything else I’ve seen before, and that’s saying something.
Final Rating: 8.2/10.
If you enjoy thrillers filled with unexpected twists (and honestly, who doesn’t?), Bugonia is a must-watch. Emma Stone delivers an incredible performance, and the film keeps you on edge from start to finish. Go watch it.
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