Ever sat through a movie wondering, “Wait… what is this thing supposed to be?” Yeah, that’s Bugonia in a nutshell. Yorgos Lanthimos (you know, that guy who gave us Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness) has officially out–Lanthimos’ed himself here. This film isn’t just weird — it’s that brand of weird where you start to suspect the director spiked the popcorn.
From the opening scene, it’s a head-scratcher buffet. Every few minutes, you’ll find yourself asking, “Is this a horror flick? A dark comedy? Sci-fi? Surrealist fever dream? Did I accidentally walk into three movies playing at once?” Spoiler: maybe all of the above. But that’s kind of the fun — it’s like cinematic roulette.
Join the PERA (Personal Entertainment Research Assistant) waitlist.
The World's Most Indispensable Movie App
The RunPee app tells you the best times to
run & pee during a movie
so you don't miss the best scenes.
Download the RunPee app.
100% free (donation supported)
Now, don’t get too comfy in your arthouse seat, because this film does not believe in warning labels. One moment you’re listening to Teddy (Jesse Plemons) babble in philosophical nonsense about bees and cosmic destiny, and the next — BAM! — you’re knee-deep in a gory sequence that’ll make you spill your soda. There’s no time to look away. Lanthimos is that friend who shouts “BOO!” in the middle of a mindfulness retreat.
So here’s the setup: Bugonia is a reimagining of the 2003 Korean cult gem Save the Green Planet! The gist: Teddy (Jesse Plemons, doing career-best work) is a dedicated beekeeper who becomes convinced that Michelle (Emma Stone, crushing it again) — a pharma CEO with suspiciously perfect skin — might be an alien plotting to wipe out humanity. Naturally, he decides kidnapping her is the logical next step. Bees are at stake, people.
From there, things spiral faster than a conspiracy theory subreddit. Themes of eco-anxiety, pharma distrust, and alien paranoia swirl together in a chaotic stew that’s both fascinating and, at times, “what the heck did I just watch?” territory.
Acting-wise, it’s gold. Stone and Plemons both go for broke — she’s got that eerie, dead-eyed charisma that makes you question your own species, and he’s pure bottled mania. Honestly, Plemons’ performance alone earns your ticket money.
Now, I dug this movie. It’s bold, bonkers, and often brilliant. But I can’t help wondering… is Lanthimos being profound — or just being weird for the sake of weird? Either way, my brain’s still buzzing (pun intended).
Final verdict: If you like your films unpredictable, unsettling, and sprinkled with existential honey — Bugonia delivers. Just maybe don’t bring a first date.
What people are saying
about the RunPee app.
Single best investment
By and far best investment Ive made. I used to drive my husband nuts because Id be a fidgeting mess the last half hour of the movie trying not to miss important parts. Now I just turn this app on and *bam* I can actually focus on the movie the whole time. Even puts alerts to my watch so even better. Also I can guarentee all the 5 reviews arent fake as one person accused - its just that so many of us movie-goers had the same problem and this fixed it. Yes, it is paid but jeeze its expensive to keep watching movies and updating an app for every movie. And if you read more about the creator he mentions he has several people contributing - so yeah its paid but omg worth every cent. 10/10
Developers note: the RunPee app is now, and always will be, 100% free. Donations are optional.
View all reviews
Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Download RunPee app
Grade: B+
About The Peetimes: It was not easy to identify great Peetimes for this movie. Even the easiest summarized scenes contain images, moments, and interactions that are of interest.
Nevertheless, the first two Peetimes work relatively well with the third one being the least optimal.
There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Bugonia.
| Rated: | (R) Bloody Violent Content | Suicide | Grisly Images | Language |
| Genres: | Comedy, Crime, Sci-Fi |
| USA release date: | 2025-10-31 |
| Movie length: | |
| Starring: | Jesse Plemons, Emma Stone, Alicia Silverstone |
| Director: | Yorgos Lanthimos |
| Writer(s): | Jang Joon-hwan, Will Tracy |
| Language: | English |
| Country: | Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, United States |
Plot
Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.