Yorgos Lanthimos has slowly become one of the defining filmmakers of the 21st century. With films like Poor Things and The Favourite making a massive impact on film culture through their bizarre interpretations of grand themes, Lanthimos’s signature style has made him one of the most talked-about directors in modern moviemaking. Bugonia is Lanthimos’s latest effort to take a simple premise and go in all sorts of strange directions.

Bugonia follows Teddy and Don, played by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis, two cousins who kidnap the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, played by Emma Stone, after being convinced she is an alien sent to destroy Earth. Trapping her in the basement of their home, they run a series of tests to determine who she is and, potentially, why she was sent to Earth. Bugonia is a remake of the 2003 Korean black comedy Save the Green Planet!, but it has its own distinct flair that sets it apart from the original.

Those familiar with Yorgos Lanthimos’ style will likely find many parallels to his prior films. The vibrant, wide-angle cinematography from Poor Things is once again utilized in Bugonia, making its self-contained story feel massive in scale. The colors convey a playfulness while also emphasizing the characters’ emotional states. The yellows and greens are easily the standout uses of color, with the green giving the film an Earthly realism, especially in the landscape shots, and the yellow adding a perfect hint of abnormality, giving the film a precise look that stands out from other comedy/thrillers. Whether the characters are in a dimly lit basement or a lavish house, the cinematography always finds ways to stay interesting.

Yorgos’s direction is once again strong, blending hilarious moments with dark ideas of humanity, but it’s the performances that truly drive the film. Jesse Plemons, known for his more reserved roles, showcases empathy unlike any other character he’s played. His character’s fascination with Stone’s Michelle may put viewers at arm’s length at times, but the inherent sadness and passion Plemons brings to the role make him easy to root for. The film expertly conveys the source of his psychological issues, making for one of the year’s richest and well-rounded characters. Although he’s had many standout performances in the past, his work in Bugonia easily stands as one of his best.

Emma Stone has starred in Lanthimos’s past four films. After winning an Oscar for her performance in Poor Things, it is clear that Stone’s work with Lanthimos is bringing out the best in her acting, and that continues with Bugonia. Stone is a force as the antagonistic CEO, with her diction and posture conveying power in every frame. Not only does she portray a selfish businesswoman with ease, but she also expertly blends elements of freakishness that leave the audience unsure whether she is an alien. These elements, combined with intense back-and-forth with Plemons, make for a relentlessly entertaining experience that once again shows that Stone is one of the best actresses working today.

Although most of the film sees Stone and Plemons butting heads, there is a lot more going on beneath the surface. Behind the alien-centered storyline is a shockingly bleak look at humanity, delving into themes of paranoia and classism, and how we are literally and figuratively causing our own collapse. The film depicts morality as both a strength and a weakness in its characters, with Teddy’s attempt to eliminate those who exploit leading him to exploit others in the process. Michelle is the same; her ventures to find a cure for an illness lead to more illness spreading. Seeing this juxtaposition made for a balanced cinematic experience that presents the positives and negatives of humanity beautifully.

One of the main motifs of Bugonia is bees. They not only stand as something Teddy takes care of in his free time, but are also depicted as the forefront of what society should be. Committed to their work and letting nothing get in their way, the way bees are captured and utilized perfectly embodies the film’s core ideas, bookending it in an extremely satisfying manner. Yorgos truly puts the “Bee” in Bugonia.

If audiences are aware of Lanthimos and his sensibilities, it is fairly easy to spot how the film will conclude. Although the film does a good job of building the central mystery, the reveal didn’t make as much of a splash as it could have. Despite this, the film still manages to wrap up in a satisfying, highly thought-provoking manner that will please Lanthimos fans.

Bugonia has all the qualities of a great Lanthimos project: stellar performances, a comedic yet ominous tone, and a dissection of humanity that is bound to provoke discussion once the credits roll. Darkly funny, with some of the most impressive visuals of the year, this continues Lanthimos’s hot streak of urgent, impressive films. Let’s hope the Emma Stone/Yorgos Lanthimos collaboration never ends.

Bugonia is now playing in theaters nationwide.

Rating: 8/10

Oscar Prospects:

Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography