Emma Stone stars in Bugonia a chilling Venice Film Festival hit

Photo:Reuters

The Venice Film Festival is always full of surprises, but this year one movie is stealing the spotlight for its mix of suspense, dark humor, and thought-provoking ideas. That movie is Bugonia, directed by award-winning filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone.

In this new film, Stone plays Michelle Fuller, a strong and confident CEO of a pharmaceutical company. Her life takes a shocking turn when she is kidnapped by a troubled man, Teddy (played by Jesse Plemons), and his cousin Don (played by Aidan Delbis). Teddy blames Michelle’s company for his mother’s poor health and even for the decline in the world’s bee population. Convinced she holds answers, he traps her in his basement, turning her life upside down.

At first glance, Teddy seems like nothing more than a wild conspiracy theorist. He covers his windows with foil, rants about aliens, and appears completely irrational. But as the story unfolds, viewers learn more about his painful past, his mother’s suffering, and the deep scars that drive his actions. This adds surprising layers to his character.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Emma Stone’s Michelle is no helpless victim. She resists, argues, and fights back fiercely, making the tension between her and Teddy a battle of wits and willpower. The film constantly leaves the audience wondering: Should we trust the polished CEO, or the unstable kidnapper who believes he is saving humanity?

Stone’s performance is being praised worldwide. She even shaved her head for the role, with the dramatic scene included in the movie. The actress laughed about it, saying it was easier than any hairstyle she ever had. When asked about aliens, Stone admitted she believes the universe is too vast for humans to be alone, even referencing famous astronomer Carl Sagan as an inspiration.

Jesse Plemons, who has been praised for his emotional acting in past films, explained that Teddy is not just “crazy.” Instead, he is a deeply broken man trying—though in a dangerous way—to make sense of a world that has hurt him. Plemons said the role made him think differently about people who live on the edge of society.

Bugonia is not an entirely original story. It is actually inspired by a South Korean movie from 2003 called Save the Green Planet!. However, Lanthimos gives it his own twist, blending thriller, science fiction, dark comedy, and psychological drama all in one. Critics have called the movie “a genre-hopping rollercoaster” that keeps audiences on edge while making them laugh at unexpected moments.

The movie is also a reflection of today’s world. Director Lanthimos pointed out that the story mirrors real issues like distrust of science, obsession with conspiracy theories, and how technology and wars affect society. He said the movie is not really dystopian fiction—it is a warning about things already happening around us.

Stone and Lanthimos have worked together before on several acclaimed projects, including The Favourite, Kinds of Kindness, and Poor Things—the last of which earned Stone her second Oscar for Best Actress. Their partnership has built a reputation for creating bold, daring films that challenge both audiences and actors.

For many festival viewers, Bugonia is more approachable than some of Lanthimos’ earlier works, which were often dark, violent, and strange. While this film is still disturbing at times, its thriller format makes it easier to follow, and its emotional core makes it hard to ignore.

Reactions so far have been powerful. Some critics gave the movie five-star reviews, praising its tension, humor, and originality. Others admitted it was “punishing” to watch, but still recognized Stone’s fearless performance as one of the best of her career.

One image from the movie—Stone with a shaved head and handcuffs—has already gone viral, drawing even more attention to the film. Online discussions about the trailer have only added to the buzz, making Bugonia one of the most talked-about movies of 2025.

The film combines deep human struggles with questions about truth, paranoia, and survival. It is not just a thriller about kidnapping—it is a mirror of how dangerous unchecked conspiracy theories can become, and how fragile the line between reality and delusion is.

Whether you watch it as a chilling drama, a sci-fi mystery, or a reflection of our modern society, Bugonia promises an unforgettable experience. And with Emma Stone in one of her boldest roles yet, the movie is sure to remain a highlight of this year’s festival season.