Emma Stone Debuts Bald Look in Venice Sci-Fi Satire Premiere

The film Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, premiered at the Venice Film Festival to critical acclaim, currently holding a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The dark comedy follows Stone's character, a pharmaceutical CEO kidnapped by two conspiracy-obsessed men who believe she is an alien threatening humanity, leading to her character's head being shaved to prevent contact with her 'mothership.' Inspired by the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet!, Bugonia addresses themes such as conspiracy theories, rural poverty, the opioid crisis, and worker exploitation, blending Lanthimos's signature absurdist humor with moments of graphic violence and social commentary. Stone, Lanthimos, and co-star Jesse Plemons were present at Venice, where the director expressed hopes that the film would provoke thought about human extinction and societal choices. The film's trailer features a soundtrack by Chappell Roan and highlights the tension between the kidnappers and Stone's character, adding depth to the portrayal of conspiracy theorists' psychology. Bugonia is set for release on October 31, 2025.