Don’t you ever apologize. It’s not your fault… All we’ve lost. All these years. All the sh*t that’s been done to us. We’re setting the ship right again. And nobody can f*** with us. Not even ourselves.
Teddy (Jesse Plemons)
Watched: 09/06/26
Spoiler Free
Bugonia (/bjuːˈɡoʊniə/) is an ancient Mediterranean folk practice and myth based on the belief that honeybees are spontaneously generated from the decaying carcass of a slaughtered ox or bull.
When an Oscar-winning actress shaves her head for a role, you take notice. That’s Emma Stone, playing a pharmaceutical CEO in Yorgos Lanthimos’ (The Lobster, Poor Things) new pitch-black comedy, Bugonia (2025). Stone gets abducted by a desperate son / beekeeper (Jesse Plemons) and his younger brother with autism (Aidan Delbis). Led by the QAnon-conspiracist elder brother, the two believe they are saving humanity by prosecuting Stone: an “alien” who wants to destroy Earth. Their motivation here feels less farcical and more grounded, given the pathological disingenuity of today’s billionaires.
What makes Plemons’ character the most disturbing I’ve seen in recent memory is not his heinous transgressions, but the fact that I rooted for him in spite of them. And those transgressions are extreme. I feel that is what Lanthimos both intended and achieved. I wanted to join the Greek director’s Andromedan hive within ten seconds of pressing play. The opening image of a flower and a honeybee reminded me that one-third of our produce comes from their partnership— a partnership threatened by human activity.
It’s a honeypot trap🍯: Lanthimos captures our sympathy and sticks it to his violent protagonist— each of who’s crimes is a clean mirror invitation. Only, we do not want to look. He forces us to in the end. Then ices the gut punch experience with a bonus montage of dozens of meticulously staged shots from all over the planet— a standalone work of art. I won’t spoil the theme.
Bugonia was twice as disturbing as I bargained for. Because of the graphic violence, I would not recommend it to most. At the same time, the smooth production put me at ease. The acting is sensational. Plus, Yorgos orchestrates long takes with camera movements that made me feel welcome inside a house of horrors— really speaking to the power of mindful filmmaking.
—Experience Film🐝
I think I ultimately admire this movie more than truly love it. I’m not sure it is the most entertaining film, although there are some scenes which are definitely memorable. However, in taking this big, farcical swing I believe Lanthimos did some really solid work here, and it is worthy of a watch by all. I think Stone is fine in her role, but Plemons is incredible. Looking forward to seeing it again soon.
Plemons’ best role yet probs. Outshines Stone overall but she steals her share of scenes. She does this jargon-riddled monologue in the basement, fairly soon after her capture— She monologues for a solid minute or two, and I detected no cuts. Afterward Plemons just smiles and says ‘that was impressive.’ And I got the sense he was not acting when he delivered that line. Rather, tipping his cap to her memorization / performance.
Java Bean: “Ayyy, graphic violence, you say? Sounds like our Dada will have to save this one for after Mama is asleep …”
Lulu: “Our Dada says we should ask Paula Cole, maybe all the flowers have gone to wherever all the cowboys have gone.”
Shoutout Paula Cole🤣 My buddy asks that every time we hangout, as a running joke.
Yeah. Trippy movie. Definitely a spoiler, so won’t go there.
That actor who played the older brother (Plemons?), yeah great job.
Of course I also loved his portrayal of the cop neighbor (always wearing his uniform out in front of his house and holding his tiny dog while stroking its head like a Bond Villain) in the comedy Game Night.
And although Civil War was total dogshit, his character’s cameo appearance (‘What kind of American are you?’) stole the entire movie.
I’m of the belief that spoilers are ok in the comments. If someone is willing to dig into the comments, they should know the risk. But whatevs. Agreed Plemons’ cameo was the best scene from Civil War.
Hmm.. odd sounding movie, and one heck of a terrific review EF!
Bees and flowers…yes – our survival.
I’m going to check this out, and if it’s too violent, well, I. can turn my head or turn it off.
Thanks, EF! ꧁★꧂
Check it out, proceed with caution. It gets progressively more violent over the duration, if that helps🌻🙏✌️
Yes, it does. Sometimes I watch a movie in parts.
R=Thank you, EF!
Give your sister & you a big hug for me!
Butterfly hug🙅🏽(😘)