Ancient Greek Rituals, Corporate Overlords, and Beekeeping with Jesse Plemons: Our Deep Dive into Bugonia—Episode 061, Season 7
Forget the ancient Greeks—it turns out the ultimate get-rich-quick scheme involves kidnapping a pharmaceutical CEO because you’re convinced she’s an intergalactic threat.
On this episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, we’re cracking open a few drinks and descending into the beautiful, paranoid weirdness of Yorgos Lanthimos’s Oscar-nominated film, Bugonia. Join the usual suspects—Kent Smith, Laura Truman, Patrick G. Keenan, and Carlisle “Squeaker” Hamrick—as we debate whether humanity deserves a total reset and why Jesse Plemons is so mesmerizing to watch in those tight close-ups.
Why “Bugonia”?
Before getting too deep into the plot, we had to address the name. It turns out “Bugonia” refers to an ancient Greek belief (and later a ritual) that bees could be spontaneously generated from the decaying carcass of an ox. it is a fittingly strange title for a film where Jesse Plemons plays a conspiracy-obsessed beekeeper who abducts a high-powered executive (Emma Stone) believing she is an alien from Andromeda.
The Lanthimos Effect: Weirdness that Grows on You
Laura’s first reaction was a blunt, “What the f***?”. But like many Lanthimos films, Bugonia is a slow burn that rewards a rewatch. We dive into:
- The Performances: Emma Stone manages to play a “corporate bitch” and a literal alien simultaneously , while Plemons delivers a masterclass in flat, monotone “internet speak” that feels chillingly believable.
- The Nuance of Don: We give a huge shout-out to the actor playing Don, Teddy’s brother on the spectrum. He serves as the emotional anchor and viewpoint for the audience as he is manipulated into a nightmare.
- Cinematographic Tension: From the use of VistaVision to fisheye lenses and “gritty” handheld movements , the film’s visual style keeps the energy high even when the characters are trapped in a single house.
The Ultimate Debate: Is She or Isn’t She?
We break down the pivotal moments that made us question reality. Was it the fact that she didn’t react to having her hair shaved off in the back of the car? Or the discovery of the “kill room” filled with the remains of former “aliens”? While Patrick was waiting for the reveal , Kent wasn’t fully convinced until the literal explosion at the end.
Bugonia vs. Save the Green Planet
Since Bugonia is a reimagining of the South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet, we couldn’t resist a comparison. While the original leans into wacky comedy and deep backstory for its lead , Bugonia feels more like a tragedy with comic elements—a “podcast mentality” of confidence without evidence brought to life.
Our Takeaway? Humanity is a Disappointment (But the Movie Isn’t)
Whether you view the ending as a peaceful reset or a cynical “popping of the bubble” for the conspiracy theorists , Bugonia left us with plenty to talk about—and a strange craving for coconut cake.
Would you like me to find the specific timestamps for our discussion on the film’s ending or our favorite “what have you been watching” segments from this episode?
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