Yorgos Lanthimos Unveils “Bugonia,” A Bold Remake of Cult Korean Thriller

Acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos is set to release his latest film, Bugonia. The project marks a significant departure for the filmmaker. It is his first time directing a script he did not develop himself. The movie is a loose remake of the 2003 South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!.

The film stars Lanthimos’s frequent collaborator Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the director immediately sent the script to Stone after reading it. Both were instantly committed to the project, a first in their creative partnership.

From “Cursed Masterpiece” to Modern Parable

The original film, Save the Green Planet!, was a commercial failure in South Korea. Despite its visionary style, it derailed director Jang Joon-hwan’s career for over a decade. Cinephiles now refer to it as “the cursed masterpiece.”

The remake was initiated by CJ ENM, the original film’s producer. They noticed a growing market for offbeat, high-concept films in the U.S. Producer Jerry Ko stated the goal was to “lift the curse.” The project gained momentum when Ari Aster, a devoted fan, and his Square Peg banner joined as producers.

A Story For Our Anxious Times

Screenwriter Will Tracy adapted the script during the early 2020 COVID lockdowns. He believes the atmosphere of confusion and paranoia benefited the screenplay. The story feels more relevant than ever in today’s divisive climate.

Jesse Plemons plays Teddy, a troubled beekeeper and conspiracist. He kidnaps a corporate CEO, played by Emma Stone, believing she is an alien. The film becomes a tense chamber piece exploring faith, logic, and the blurred lines of truth. Plemons praises the script for presenting opposing beliefs without feeling preachy.

The film Bugonia promises to be another thought-provoking entry in Lanthimos’s filmography, challenging audiences with its ambiguity and timely themes.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is the movie Bugonia about?

Bugonia follows a beekeeper who believes aliens are poisoning Earth. He kidnaps a powerful CEO, convinced she is an alien leader. The film explores their intense psychological battle in a confined space.

Is Bugonia based on another film?

Yes, it is a loose remake of the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet! That movie is a cult classic known for its wild blend of genres. It was a commercial failure that has since been re-evaluated as a masterpiece.

Who stars in Yorgos Lanthimos’s new film?

Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons lead the cast. This marks Stone’s fourth collaboration with Lanthimos. Plemons previously worked with the director on the anthology film Kinds of Kindness.

How does Bugonia connect to current events?

The screenplay was written during the 2020 lockdowns. Its themes of paranoia and information distrust feel intensely relevant. The film holds a mirror to our current era of conspiracy theories and ideological divides.

Why was the film shot on VistaVision?

Lanthimos and cinematographer Robbie Ryan used vintage VistaVision cameras. This format provides rich, grand images despite the film’s claustrophobic setting. Advances in sound technology finally allowed them to use the noisy cameras for dialogue scenes.