Guest Blog: A Film Review of Bugonia by D&C Film
Published November 13, 2025
Bugonia | Lanthimos serves up comedy, conspiracies and tragedy
By Rocco Plaja Morgan, originally posted by D&C Film
Is there any comedy in turning to conspiracy theories to deal with personal tragedies? – This is the central question which will determine whether Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia will work for you.
The word ‘Bugonia’ itself is a Greek term which describes an ancient Mediterranean practice and/or poetic belief that bees could spontaneously be generated out of a cow’s carcass. This then lends itself as an appropriate title for this adaptation of the 2003 Korean film Save the Green Planet!
“Like sex… only better…”
Accordingly, the film begins with a narration from Jesse Plemmons over shots of bees pollinating flowers, setting up the environmental concern central to the film. Plemmons’ character Teddy describes the pollination process as being “like sex… only better, because no one gets hurt”: a quote which might be the best initial contextualisation of the film and Plemmons’ character’s worldview.
CONSPIRACIES
The commencing story then follows Teddy along with his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis) as they kidnap pharmaceutical CEO Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone), suspecting her to be an alien from Andromeda sent to destroy Earth. The belief stems from Teddy’s indoctrination into an online conspiracy theory. Due to radicalisation and conspiracy theories being rife within the current digital age, Bugonia’s premise sets up a contemporarily relevant context with its portrayal of characters and themes.
Compelling corporate-ese
Adding to the worth of Bugonia’s premise, stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemmons once again deliver emotional and compelling performances, once again meeting the high bar these two actors are known for. The interactions may stagnate in places; the back-and-forth between these two characters follows a repetitive scenario of “duck season/rabbit season” arguments, with Michelle’s attempts to deny her alien accusation and Teddy’s unwavering commitment to his conspiracy. However, the actors turn this exchange into compelling viewing, particularly with the inhuman corporate-ese vernacular of a pharmaceutical CEO.
‘Bees, basement and spaceship’
Outside of the performances, the arresting orchestral score composed by Jerskin Fendrix is also a highly noteworthy component of the film. Fendrix had to compose the score without a script; the only instructions offered by Lanthimos were the words ‘bees, basement and spaceship’.
Pain and destruction
While Bugonia may frustrate some (don’t expect any answers to the societal and personal issues presented in the film), I still think it is a film which has value in its endeavour to consider humans who are drawn to conspiracies to explain away their personal tragedies. It questions the humanity of the powerful who have a direct hand in contributing to human pain and earth’s destruction. Coupled with the artistic merit of the production and performances, Bugonia is a film which should be seen and interpreted by those willing to be engaged in these discussions… and those who can handle some gore alongside.
NATURALISTIC
Bugonia is in some ways more naturalistic than the stereotypes associated with Lanthimos’s filmic style. The dialogue is one key indication of this shift in form. However, I think it’s redundant to try and rank Bugonia among Lanthimos’s other work. I would certainly stress to potential viewers that they should take what they can from the piece, and understand and interpret the film on its own merits, rather than viewing it through the context of trying to place it within the artist’s oeuvre.
10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
If you fit these criteria, the Exeter Phoenix will be the perfect venue to visit it in, as this stable of the South West’s art scene celebrates its 10-year anniversary as Exeter’s home of independent cinema. Experiencing Bugonia in Studio 74 was a particular pleasure.
Bugonia is at Studio 74 from Fri 14 to Thu 20 Nov. Check the times and get your tickets here.