464 - Bugonia

About this episode

The episode discusses the film Bugonia, exploring its themes, aesthetics, and the performances of its stars while critiquing its storytelling.

Yorgos Lanthimos' fourth collaboration with Emma Stone yields a darkly comedic thriller about two conspiracy theorists who kidnap a CEO, determined to reveal the truth that she's an alien from Andromeda. We've all at least considered it. While funny and absurd, Bugonia is also tragic and misanthropic, and we're unconvinced that its ending is either earned or fitting, despite Mike's insistence that he's seen it coming for weeks. We consider the film's messaging, aesthetics, and tone; what its stars bring to it and how they differ; what the title might mean; and how a comparison with Alex Garland's Ex Machina reveals the lacks in the storytelling here. We pick at Bugonia left, right and centre, but despite our complaints, it showed us a very entertaining time, and there's a lot about it to recommend. Recorded on 9th November 2025.

People in this episode

Host: Mike

Topics covered

• Yorgos Lanthimos
• Emma Stone
• Bugonia
• dark comedy
• thriller
• conspiracy theories
• film analysis

Keywords

• alien
• Andromeda
• Ex Machina
• misanthropy
• film messaging

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Bugonia, Ex Machina

Places: Andromeda

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