Bugonia is the 2025 black comedy thriller directed by acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, starring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone. This English-language remake of the 2003 South Korean cult hit Save the Green Planet! follows two young men who kidnap a powerful CEO, suspecting she is an alien plotting to destroy Earth. A high-profile international co-production between Ireland, South Korea, and the United States, Bugonia combines dark humor, psychological tension, and sci-fi suspense in one gripping cinematic experience.
Development and Production
Development for Bugonia began in 2020, initially with Jang Joon-hwan attached to direct and Will Tracy adapting the screenplay. Renowned producer Ari Aster joined the project shortly after. Due to health concerns, Jang stepped down as director but remained an executive producer. In February 2024, Lanthimos took over as director, with Stone joining as both lead actress and producer. Jesse Plemons joined the cast in May, and Focus Features acquired distribution rights ahead of its Cannes Film Festival debut. Principal photography began in High Wycombe, England, and Atlanta, Georgia, with additional filming in Milos, Greece in May 2025. With a production budget of $45–55 million, Bugonia is Lanthimos’ most expensive film to date.
Premiere and Release
Bugonia premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025, competing in the main festival lineup. It was theatrically released in the United States by Focus Features on October 24, 2025. Critics praised the film for its dark humor, Emma Stone’s performance, and Jesse Plemons’ chilling portrayal, resulting in generally positive reviews.
Plot Summary
Michelle Fuller, CEO of pharmaceutical giant Auxolith, is abducted by conspiracy theorist Teddy Gatz and his autistic cousin Don. Teddy suspects Michelle is an alien from the “Andromedans” species, responsible for destroying Earth’s honeybees, manipulating humanity, and orchestrating global chaos. Teddy and Don imprison Michelle, attempting to prevent her from contacting her alien allies. Flashbacks reveal Teddy’s mother became comatose after participating in an Auxolith clinical trial. As the story unfolds, shocking twists reveal the complex nature of Teddy’s conspiracy and Michelle’s true identity as the Andromedan empress. The climax delivers a shocking conclusion where Michelle wipes out humanity, restoring balance to the planet while bees return to Teddy’s apiary.
Why Watch Bugonia?
Dark Comedy Meets Sci-Fi Thriller – A gripping blend of black comedy, psychological suspense, and extraterrestrial intrigue. Star-Studded Cast – Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons deliver career-defining performances. International Production – A visually stunning film shot across the UK, the US, and Greece. High Concept Storyline – Aliens, corporate conspiracies, and the fate of humanity converge in a thrilling narrative. Festival Acclaim – Premiered at Venice Film Festival 2025, generating buzz among critics and cinephiles. For fans of Yorgos Lanthimos’ visionary filmmaking, dark comedy movies, and sci-fi thrillers 2025, Bugonia offers a cinematic experience full of tension, humor, and shocking revelations.
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