Emma Stone recently shared her excitement about her latest role in “Bugonia,” an absurdist comedy sci-fi film where she portrays Michelle Fuller, a powerful pharmaceutical CEO who becomes the target of two conspiracy theorist cousins convinced that she is an alien. Reflecting on her experiences during filming, Stone expressed her relief, stating, “I broke no bones,” despite her concerns when co-star Jesse Plemons, who plays Teddy Gatz, her character’s aggressive captor, tackled her for a scene.
“Bugonia” is set to hit select theaters this Friday, followed by a wider release on October 31. The film is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who has a history of collaborating with Stone in acclaimed projects like “The Favourite.” In addition to Stone, the cast includes rising actor Aidan Delbis, who plays Gatz’s cousin Don. Notably, both Delbis and his character have a portrayal of autism, marking a significant step towards greater representation in a major Hollywood film distributed by Focus Features. Lanthimos remarked that Delbis’ character brought “the soul of the film” and served as “the voice of logic” throughout the narrative.
Stone emphasized the complexity of the characters in “Bugonia,” particularly the evolving tension between Fuller and Gatz. “It’s just so fun to not know whose side you’re on back and forth throughout the entire story,” she noted, adding that both characters exhibit moral ambiguities—each displaying moments of both rightness and wrongness.
The film draws inspiration from the 2003 South Korean film “Save the Green Planet!” directed by Jang Joon-hwan. As audiences gear up for its release, the innovative storytelling and unique character dynamics promise to not only entertain but also provoke conversations about societal issues, all while showcasing the robust capabilities of the film’s star-studded cast.
This fresh take on sci-fi comedy enriches the cinematic landscape, as it not only entertains but also emphasizes the importance of representation and complex narratives in today’s film industry.