Emma Stone Shines as CEO in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Darkly Comedic Bugonia

Emma Stone stars as a bald CEO in the highly anticipated sci-fi black comedy Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The film is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 28, before its limited theatrical release on October 24, followed by a wider release on October 31. This collaboration marks another chapter in the partnership between Stone and Lanthimos, known for their previous successes such as The Favourite and Poor Things.

“I believe in aliens!”

Stone declared during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, revealing her excitement for the film’s theme. The narrative unfolds with Michelle Fuller, portrayed by Stone, who is kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists, played by Jesse Plemons and newcomer Aidan Delbis. They mistakenly believe she is an alien intent on destroying Earth, leading them to shave her head and confine her in an underground bunker to prevent her from contacting a supposed mothership.

The film is a twisted adaptation of the 2003 South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!, bringing a fresh lens to themes of paranoia and societal fears. The screenplay, crafted by Will Tracy, intertwines dark humor with pressing contemporary issues. Alongside Stone and Plemons, the cast features Alicia Silverstone and comedian Stavros Halkias, adding to the film’s eclectic ensemble.

The first full-length trailer, released by Focus Features on the same day as the film’s Venice premiere, showcases Stone’s witty tactics as she navigates her captors’ delusions. The trailer is set to the tune of Chappell Roan’s viral song Good Luck, Babe!, enhancing the film’s quirky and comedic tone.

Lanthimos emphasized the film’s reflection of modern anxieties, stating, “Unfortunately, not much of the dystopia in this film is very fictional. A lot of it is reflective of the real world.” He pointed to themes such as technology, artificial intelligence, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts as integral to the story, prompting audiences to consider the implications of these issues.

With its unique premise, engaging performances, and sharp humor, Bugonia is poised to make a significant impact in the sci-fi genre this fall. As audiences prepare for its release, the film not only promises entertainment but also a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary societal themes.