The Mosley Review: Bugonia
This film was an interesting case. I do enjoy the offbeat and sometimes introspective thrillers that take you on a trip that you can't quite figure out so quickly. Then again, I do enjoy the straight forward mystery tales. This film was a mixture of the two and I couldn't help this feeling that I've seen very similar stories play out almost exactly the same way. That's not a negative though as this film is filled with enough intrigue and implied actions that I found myself enjoying it. Right from the beginning, you are given a perspective of a survivalist that most would consider crazy, but in all honesty, there are some factual studies that sort of back up the more radical environmental commentary. Once all the surface level themes are explored, the film dives straight forward in the a conspiracy driven sci fi thriller that had some surprising moments, but in my opinion, goes on too long for its own good.
Jesse Plemons is always wonderful and he was fantastic as the troubled yet determined conspiracy theorist, Teddy. Jesse's charismatic and sometimes otherworldly charm shines through the entire film as he explores the entire spectrum of Teddy's emotional journey and life. I really enjoyed his conviction while building the plan of abduction and how he rationalizes his actions. Its rare that you get to spend time with the aggressor in a story and I really loved that we got to see that he was just a normal guy that supposedly figured out the route of the conspiracy. Aidan Delbis was outstanding as Teddy's cousin, Don. Aidan captures the innocence of Don so well and highlights the strong bond between them. Their chemistry was some of the best in the film and I enjoyed some of the few comedic moments between him and Teddy. Don had a great heart and I did like that he was part of the moral core of Teddy. Alicia Silverstone surprised me as Teddy's mother, Sandy. She isn't in the film for very long, but her presence is felt and is the catalyst for Teddy's hysteria. Their scenes together were both visually haunting and heartbreaking. Stavros Halkias was good and awkwardly fun as the local police officer, Casey. There is a history between him and Teddy as I can only assume was abusive given the implications during a specific scene. It was a tight rope he walked and I enjoyed his performance. Emma Stone delivers an outstanding performance as the CEO of pharmaceutical company, Michelle Fuller. The rigidness of the character was fascinating to watch as her type A personality was soulless in the beginning. She has a few dark comedic moments which were fun, but the best moments come once she is kidnapped. The mental gymnastics at work was expertly portrayed by Stone. The tension between Michelle and Teddy was staggering as Teddy's mood swings and declarations were unpredictable. I loved the back and forth as Michelle tries to level with a man that is truly on edge the entire time and has a personal stake in the whole debacle.
The score by Jerskin Fendrix was big and operatic in the best way during the more intense moments of violence and somewhat soothing in the quieter moments. Visually the film pops with color and I loved the framing of many shots. The spacing of the characters was effective and almost reminded me of a Wes Anderson film. The film is brilliantly paced, very engaging and I loved how the plot began to unfold as you start to question everything you see. The biggest gripe I had with the film was the finale. There is a point where the film went too far and should've ended at particular moment that would've made it even more fantastic. It will be a divisive finale for sure that some will love, but I hated it. Despite the ending, I truly enjoyed this obtuse take on a psychological conspiracy thriller. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
