Review: Bugonia

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Official Synopsis: Two conspiracy-obsessed young men, Teddy and Don (Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis) kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, Michelle (Emma Stone) convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.

You know you can expect "weird" from a Yorgos Lanthimos joint. Bugonia sees him return with his muse, Emma Stone and they continue to be a match made in Heaven. Even when the film isn't as strong (hello, Kinds of Kindness) those two together is magic. And adding Plemons to the mix is the icing on the cake.

I have to admit I was a bit hesitant with this one after reading early reviews. I went in with low expectations but came out pleasantly surprised. While this isn't my favorite of Yorgos', it's nowhere near the bottom either.

Bugonia is a biting satire on conspiracy theorists and the scary lengths they can go when they think they are right. Plemons is no stranger to playing evil characters, so it's no surprise he shines here. But is Michelle as innocent as she seems? You are certainly on her side immediately, she's the one being kidnapped after all. While there are some intense scenes, I appreciate that Yorgos didn't take this into full torture porn territory like a lesser director probably would have. 

Often funny, intense, and depressing. Bugonia is definitely an acing showcase for our leads. There is an argument to be made that the ending kind of goes against the main message of the film. And in a way, I agree with that, but I also found it pretty hysterical so it's hard to argue with it. I'm curious to read your thoughts on the ending.

Grade: B

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