I watched “Bugonia” yesterday at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, and it feels right to begin this blog with my impressions of that film.
Let me say right away: I’m not a film critic or an expert, so you won’t find long essays or detailed structural analyses here. I’m just sharing what struck me personally.
Yorgos Lanthimos has made an incredible sci-fi comedy — dynamic, modern, full of subtle humor, and with a great ending. Some viewers might find it a bit too “bloody,” but to me, it all fits perfectly within the genre.
“Bugonia” is a movie for those who love sci-fi, conspiracy theories, and flat-earth jokes. Even though the number of locations is limited, the film feels vibrant, colorful, and even “tasty.” Cinematographer Robbie Ryan created an amazing atmosphere of small-town America — it may look like the middle of nowhere, but on screen it shines like a kaleidoscope.
Emma Stone is simply brilliant here. Her pairing with Jesse Plemons is a joy to watch: they are so convincing. Emma Stone plays a “high-profile female executive,” and Jesse Plemons takes on the role of a “conspiracy expert.” And what’s interesting is that, despite the grotesque and exaggerated style of storytelling, the sense of reality and relevance never leaves you until the very end.
For me, “Bugonia” is a film about how absurdity and the reality of our lives become almost indistinguishable.
Unfortunately, the film didn’t win any awards at the Venice Film Festival, but in my opinion, it absolutely deserved one for Best Director.
