Bugonia (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Bugonia is a 2025 crime comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, starring Jesse Plemons as Teddy, Aidan Delbis and Emma Stone. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes and earned $43.5 million worldwide on a $50 million budget. It was nominated for 4 Oscars. Critics gave it 72 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 58m (118 min)
- Director
- Yorgos Lanthimos
- Studio
- Focus Features
- Budget
- $50M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Bugonia About?
The premise of Bugonia without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Obsessed with conspiracy theories, two young men kidnap the powerful CEO of a major corporation, convinced that she is an alien entity intent on destroying Earth. Their fanatic belief drives the abduction, setting the stage for a tense confrontation between radical idealism and corporate power.
Bugonia Cast & Characters
Jesse Plemons leads the cast as Teddy, with Aidan Delbis as Don and Emma Stone as Michelle. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director Yorgos Lanthimos
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Jesse Plemons as Teddy - Aidan Delbis as Don
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Emma Stone as Michelle - Atsushi Nishijima as Chief Andromedan
Also Starring in Bugonia
· 16 more- Janlyn Bales Andromedan
- Alicia Silverstone Sandy
- Stavros Halkias Casey
- Roger Carvalho Young Detective
- J. Carmen Galindez Barrera Ricky, Security Guard
- Marc T. Lewis Tony
- Vanessa Eng Corey
- Cedric Dumornay Chris
- Momma Cherri Tina
- Fredricka Whitfield Fredricka Whitfield
- Rafael Lopez Bravo Carlos
- Yaisa EMT
- Teneisha Ellis Detective
- Andy Blackburn Andromedan
- Stella Bizirtsaki Andromedan
- Diana Duah Andromedan
Bugonia Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Bugonia 72 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in character & emotion (87) and weakest in story & flow (68).
Bugonia Echo Score Breakdown
Bugonia presents a distinctive blend of dark comedy and thriller elements, anchored by strong direction and striking visuals. Critics and viewers alike commend the film’s precise cinematography and unsettling atmosphere, while noting that its narrative occasionally drifts into excessive abstraction, especially toward the climax. Performances from Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons receive consistent praise for depth and intensity. Overall, the film offers a thought‑provoking experience that rewards attentive audiences despite its polarizing moments.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 83
In terms of art and craft, the film showcases meticulous composition and purposeful set design, creating a visually arresting palette. Critics highlight intentional framing and striking imagery, and many users note the precise lighting and symmetrical shots that define Lanthimos’ style. Some reviewers mention occasional pacing irregularities, yet the overall execution of cinematography and editing is regarded as a high point, reinforcing the film’s aesthetic ambition.
- Character & Emotion 87
Character and emotion are a central strength, with performances consistently described as layered and compelling. Both critics and users emphasize Jesse Plemons’ unsettling yet charismatic turn and Emma Stone’s nuanced portrayal, noting their ability to convey tension and vulnerability. Supporting actors receive commendation for adding depth to the dynamic. While a few reviewers cite uneven dialogue, the overall emotional resonance of the cast remains a standout feature.
- Story & Flow 68
The story’s originality is evident, tackling conspiracy culture and existential dread through an off‑beat premise. Reviewers appreciate the film’s ambitious themes but point to a convoluted middle act and an ending that many find implausible. Some critics label the narrative a chore, whereas others describe it as engaging and thought‑provoking. Consequently, the plot is viewed as inventive yet uneven, affecting overall coherence and satisfaction.
- Sensory Experience 78
Sensory experience receives positive remarks for its atmospheric score and deliberate sound design, which amplify tension and unsettling humor. Visual style, described as striking and Kubrick‑esque, complements the film’s tone. While a handful of critics mention occasional over‑verbosity, the majority of feedback highlights the cohesive auditory and visual elements that enhance immersion, rendering the sensory layer a strong component of the film.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Rewatch factor is mixed; many viewers find the film’s thematic depth and standout performances warranting additional viewings, noting its lingering impact. However, several critics and users cite the divisive ending and occasional narrative excess as barriers to repeat enjoyment. The consensus suggests the film holds lasting appeal for those attuned to its style, though broader audiences may hesitate to revisit it.
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Metacritic 72 Metascore
User score 7.1
See on Metacritic
Bugonia Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Bugonia from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The film centers on Teddy Gatz, Jesse Plemons, a man tethered to conspiracy theories who drags his mentally handicapped cousin Don Aidan Delbis into a shadowy mission to “fix” society. They head to a store to stock up on supplies, and although Don quietly doubts the plan, Teddy treats it as a mission of great importance that must be carried out.
Michelle Fuller, Emma Stone, is a high-profile CEO at Auxolith. After a long day, she drives home to a terrifying scene: Teddy and Don, wearing paper Jennifer Aniston masks, spring from the bushes to abduct her. She fights back and nearly escapes, but Teddy ultimately subdues her with a needle and she loses consciousness.
Full summary
The whole story of Bugonia, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Bugonia Box Office & Budget
Bugonia grossed $43.5 million worldwide on a $50 million budget, 87% of what it cost. $17.7 million came from the US and Canada and $25.8 million (59%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$43.5M
87% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $17.7M
- International
- $25.8M
- Budget
- $50M
Bugonia Awards & Nominations
Bugonia was nominated for 4 Oscars. The 19 nominations come from 7 ceremonies, the most at the BAFTA 2026.
19 nominations7 ceremonies
-
BAFTA 2026 5 nominations- Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role – Jesse Plemons
- Nominated Best Actress in a Leading Role – Emma Stone
- Nominated Best Adapted Screenplay
- Nominated Best Director – Yorgos Lanthimos
- Nominated Best Original Score
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Oscars 2026 4 nominations- Nominated Best Actress in a Leading Role – Emma Stone
- Nominated Best Music (Original Score)
- Nominated Best Picture
- Nominated Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
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Critics' Choice 2026 3 nominations- Nominated Best Actress – Emma Stone
- Nominated Best Adapted Screenplay
- Nominated Best Picture
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Golden Globes 2026 3 nominations- Nominated Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy – Emma Stone
- Nominated Best Male Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy – Jesse Plemons
- Nominated Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Show all 7 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Actor Awards (SAG) 2026 2 nominations- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role – Emma Stone
- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role – Jesse Plemons
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PGA Awards 2026 1 nomination- Nominated Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures
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Artios Awards 2026 1 nomination- Nominated Feature Big Budget – Drama
Bugonia Trailers & Videos
12 videos: 3 trailers, 1 teaser, 4 clips, 2 featurettes and 2 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Trailer Official Trailer 2
- Teaser TV Spot: Jesus Review
- Clip "Where's My Hair" Official Clip
How Well Do You Know Bugonia?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who portrays the conspiracy theorist Teddy Gatz?
Bugonia Also Known As
13 alternative titles, including “Save the Green Planet!” and “Բուգոնիա”.
- Also known as
-
- Save the Green Planet!
- Բուգոնիա
- Бугонія
- 拯救地球
- 부고니아
- Бугония
- Βουγονία
- La Bugonia
- 暴蜂尼亞
- Буґонія
- בוגוניה
- Bugonija
+1 more Show fewer
- บูโกเนีย, ბუგონია
Seen Bugonia?
Articles About Bugonia
Our article about Bugonia: “Bugonia (2025) Review, Critics Opinions & Audience Reception – How the Conspiracy Thriller Stands Up in Storytelling and Performance”.
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Opinions
Bugonia FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Bugonia, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Bugonia?
Bugonia runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).
When was Bugonia released?
Bugonia was released on October 24, 2025.
Who directed Bugonia?
Bugonia was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
More films by Yorgos Lanthimos Who is in the cast of Bugonia?
Bugonia stars Jesse Plemons as Teddy, Aidan Delbis as Don and Emma Stone as Michelle, among 20 credited actors.
How much did Bugonia make at the box office?
Bugonia grossed $43.5 million worldwide ($17.7 million domestic, $25.8 million international) on a budget of $50 million.
How is Bugonia rated?
Bugonia has 72 on Metacritic.
Was Bugonia nominated for any awards?
Bugonia received 19 nominations across 7 ceremonies.
Does Bugonia have a post-credit scene?
No. Bugonia has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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