Emma Stone’s latest film “Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, has garnered significant critical acclaim following its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025. The black comedy science fiction adaptation of the 2003 South Korean cult film “Save the Green Planet!” earned a 79 Metascore and 7.4/10 IMDb rating despite limited early reviews. Stone stars as a corporate CEO targeted by conspiracy-obsessed kidnappers who believe she is extraterrestrial. Further details reveal the film’s ambitious international production scope.
While Emma Stone has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers through dramatic and comedic roles, her latest venture into science fiction territory marks a significant departure with “Bugonia,” a black comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos that reimagines the 2003 South Korean cult film “Save the Green Planet!”
Stone portrays a high-powered corporate CEO who becomes the target of two conspiracy-obsessed kidnappers convinced she is an extraterrestrial being plotting Earth’s destruction, a role that allows the Academy Award winner to explore themes of corporate power, environmental paranoia, and human behavior through the lens of dark humor.
The film, written by Will Tracy, represents an international co-production between Ireland, South Korea, and the United States, with Stone serving as both lead actress and producer. Principal photography commenced in July 2024 in High Wycombe, England, followed by additional scenes filmed in Milos, Greece, during May 2025.
The production team includes notable figures such as Ari Aster, Ed Guiney, and Andrew Lowe, while Focus Features secured distribution rights following the film’s showcase at the Cannes Festival. The cinematographer Robbie Ryan captured the film using 35mm film with VistaVision cameras to achieve the director’s distinctive visual aesthetic.
Critical reception has generated substantial industry attention, with the film earning a 7.4/10 rating on IMDb and a Metascore of 79 from critics. Despite limited review availability, consisting of nine critic reviews and one user review as of August 2025, the film has already received two nominations ahead of its worldwide release.
The marketing campaign launched with official trailers in June and August 2025, building anticipation for the Venice International Film Festival world premiere on August 28, 2025. The film’s 120 minutes runtime allows for a comprehensive exploration of the narrative’s complex themes.
Stone shares lead billing with Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone in this genre-blending narrative that incorporates bee colony references and environmental allegory.
The theatrical release is scheduled for October 24, 2025, in the United States through Focus Features, with some international regions listing October 31, 2025, as the release date.
The collaboration between Lanthimos and Stone continues their successful working relationship while introducing Western audiences to reimagined Korean cinema through contemporary science fiction storytelling.
