Emma Stone has expressed her enthusiasm for her latest role in “Bugonia,” an absurdist comedy sci-fi film in which she plays Michelle Fuller, a powerful pharmaceutical CEO who becomes the target of two conspiracy theorist cousins convinced she is an alien. During filming, Stone shared her relief about avoiding injuries, humorously stating, “I broke no bones,” despite initial concerns about co-star Jesse Plemons, who plays her aggressive captor Teddy Gatz, tackling her during a scene.
Set to be released in select theaters this Friday, with a wider rollout on October 31, “Bugonia” is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his prior collaborations with Stone in acclaimed works such as “The Favourite.” The film also features rising star Aidan Delbis, who portrays Gatz’s cousin Don, marking a significant move towards greater representation with Delbis’ character being depicted with autism. Lanthimos praised Delbis’ role, describing it as bringing “the soul of the film” and serving as “the voice of logic” amidst the chaos of the story.
Stone highlighted the film’s complex character dynamics, especially the evolving tension between Fuller and Gatz. She noted, “It’s just so fun to not know whose side you’re on back and forth throughout the entire story,” reflecting on the moral ambiguities that each character presents, revealing both right and wrong attributes.
Inspired by the 2003 South Korean film “Save the Green Planet!” directed by Jang Joon-hwan, “Bugonia” promises to engage audiences not only through its innovative storytelling and unique character dynamics but also by sparking discussions around societal issues. This fresh approach to sci-fi comedy enhances the cinematic landscape, showcasing the importance of representation and multi-dimensional narratives in contemporary filmmaking, and highlighting the impressive talent of its cast.