Emma Stone stars in the new film Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The movie blends humor with social critique to explore conspiracy theories through the story of a pharmaceutical executive kidnapped by a conspiracy theorist and his cousin.
The film follows Michelle Fuller (Stone), head of a pharmaceutical company, who is abducted by Teddy Gatz (Jesse Plemons), a zealous conspiracy theorist, and Don (Aidan Delbis), his neurodivergent cousin. They believe Michelle is an alien aiming to destroy Earth. The movie premiered in Spanish cinemas on Friday.
At a London press roundtable, Stone remarked that conspiracy theories have existed “since the dawn of humanity, with the arrival of religion.” She reflected critically on religious portrayal, stating:
“I think there’s no worse PR campaign in the world than the one God has had. This idea that there’s a guy you wouldn’t even want to go out with, someone you must worship on your knees and tell every day that he’s the best in the world, or else he’ll condemn you to hell… I’d tell you to break up with him immediately.”
Bugonia uses its narrative to dissect themes of belief, fanaticism, and the impact of misinformation in society, illustrating how deep-rooted conspiracy theories affect human perception.
Author's summary: Emma Stone critiques religion's public image while starring in Bugonia, a film that cleverly tackles conspiracy theories blending humor and social commentary.