Movies

Bugonia Movie Review

What’s more human than alienating behaviour?

What’s it about?

Two conspiracy theorists kidnap a high-profile CEO because they’re convinced she’s actually an alien.

What did we think?

Anthony Sherratt says: Disturbing, funny and even sometimes absurd, Bugonia is a movie that defies easy categorisation but for people who enjoy not being to predict what’s going to happen it’s a great little watch. Director Yorgos Lanthimos (Kinds of Kindness, The Lobster, Killing of a Sacred Deer) once again weaves an off-beat tale that explores humanity without justifying behaviours.

There’s a very dark humour running throughout but there are multiple moments where the tone shifts suddenly. For example the moment you realise there might not be a way for a person to convince another you’re not an alien is truly chilling. 

Between the intensity of the concept and the incredible performances, no character is fully sympathetic and we’re often reminded they’re all too human (or are they?). An uneasiness stays with the viewer throughout and it’s this unsurity that sets this intelligent-yet-quirky film apart.

Full of moments that will make you both chuckle and squirm uncomfortably, this Intelligent and slow-paced flick is destined to be as much of a cult classic as the original South Korean Ion which this is based.

9
out of this world
An intelligent yet discomforting piece that will make you laugh and squirm in equal measure, Bugonia will stay with you long afterwards for better or worse.
Anthony has been reviewing movies for over 30 years (it may be longer now as he may have forgotten to add an extra year on). He lectures in journalism at the prestigious Queensland University of Technology and in addition to freelance writing, works with the charity Hands Across The Water. In a busy life, insomnia is his friend.
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