Bugonia Writer Explains Why Teddy’s Theories Were Right In Movie’s Ending

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Okay, buckle up, because things get wild in Bugonia! I just finished watching, and I’m still reeling. The movie centers around this incredibly tense cat-and-mouse game between Emma Stone’s character, Michelle Fuller, and Jesse Plemons’ Teddy Gatz. Teddy, along with his cousin, actually kidnaps Michelle, believing she’s secretly an alien planning to wipe out humanity. It’s a remake of a Korean film called Save the Green Planet!, and honestly, the way things unfold is genuinely shocking – and one of the characters actually seems to side with Jesse Plemons’ motivations! Be warned, though: going in knowing less is definitely better with this one.

As a film buff, I was completely drawn in by Bugonia. For most of its runtime – around 118 minutes – the movie really makes you think Teddy is losing it, convinced by these wild conspiracy theories. It hints that his trauma – his mother falling into a coma after a drug trial and past abuse – is the root of it all. But then, the ending completely flips the script! It turns out Michelle isn’t just some callous businesswoman, but an alien who sees all of us as lab rats. And she doesn’t hesitate to wipe the slate clean. It’s a shocking twist that really stuck with me.

Before the release of the film Bugonia, Joe Deckelmeier spoke with director Luca Guadagnino, writer Will Tracy, and actors Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons for ScreenRant. Tracy, who previously worked on The Menu and Succession, shared that a key aim of the movie was to “bring people with very different viewpoints together and explore the emotional prejudices” they have when judging one another.

Will Tracy believes people have developed their own understandings of the world – their own realities – partly because they feel disconnected and because the messages from those in power often lack inspiration or feel unconvincing.

This led him to admit that he mostly agreed with Teddy’s perspective at the end of Bugonia. When writing the character, he explained that he didn’t want to be overly critical of someone who had lived through Teddy’s experiences. He felt Teddy’s conclusions, and the theories he developed, were understandable because he hadn’t been presented with a more hopeful or convincing narrative.

Tracy explained that he agrees with many of Teddy’s ideas and wanted to portray the character not as simply insane, but as someone whose seemingly crazy choices actually stemmed from a clear, if unusual, thought process. He hoped to focus on the reasoning behind Teddy’s actions, rather than the madness itself.

Plemons approached his character by focusing on how he saw himself and the story he created in his own mind. He realized that the character’s personality was largely based on his strong beliefs and theories. Plemons concluded that, in his character’s view, he was a hero dedicated to protecting the small and vulnerable things in life.

Jesse Plemons connected with the character because he felt Teddy’s empathy for those who are ignored or mistreated. He believes everyone has a self-image, and Teddy’s is simply a more intense version, shaped by his difficult circumstances and internal narrative.

Luca Guadagnino Had The Perfect “Troupe” Of New & Familiar Faces Going Into Bugonia

You know, as a big fan of Yorgos Lanthimos, I’ve always been fascinated by how he loves to mess with our expectations. I was hearing in this interview that he really wanted to take that even further with his new film, Poor Things. He’s exploring this idea of what happens when everyone genuinely believes they’re doing the right thing, even if their actions are… questionable. It’s like, what happens when there’s no common ground for morality? That’s what he seems to be digging into with this one, and it sounds pretty wild.

I think you’ve hit on a lot of the points I would have made just by asking that question. This film is structured in a way that constantly makes the audience question their own assumptions and beliefs. It’s the gradual revealing of the characters’ layers – their motivations, what they believe, and how they try to persuade others or themselves – that really draws the audience in. I believe the film takes viewers on a journey, and what they take away from it says a lot about them as individuals.

ScreenRant asked Yorgos Lanthimos about his frequent collaborations with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. They noted he’s worked with Stone multiple times and Plemons twice in a row, and wanted to know what makes them such effective partners, either as individuals or when working together.

I look for actors I connect with and truly admire. Once that trust is there, we can take creative risks we wouldn’t otherwise. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons are both phenomenal, and their chemistry is fantastic. Working with Jesse on ‘Kinds of Kindness’ felt like filming three separate movies because he played three different roles – it was like we already had a regular acting group. I often work with the same crew members, but I also enjoy bringing in new people, like Aidan [Delbis]. Working with Will was a first for me, and that fresh dynamic is always exciting and helps us grow. But those long-standing, evolving relationships are just as vital to the filmmaking process.

The Movie Gave Stone & Plemons A Chance To Think Of Something Different While Filming

In an interview with ScreenRant, Michelle discussed her character’s journey. The interviewer noted that her character begins as a seemingly powerful and in-control CEO, but the film reveals her vulnerabilities. They asked Michelle what she found most compelling about portraying those cracks in her character’s strong exterior.

I usually try not to worry about how audiences will react to my performances, but for this role, I started considering repeat viewings. I found myself thinking, ‘If someone watched this a second time, would it all still make sense?’ and then I’d adjust my performance accordingly. It was a new approach for me – focusing on how things would appear to the audience – and it actually fit the character well, since she also presents a very outward-facing persona.

ScreenRant noted that Aidan Delbis has a unique style that noticeably shifts the mood of the film whenever he appears. They asked how working with him influenced our performances and allowed us to explore different nuances in our own acting.

I see the movie as having four central characters – maybe five if you count Mom, who appears throughout. Aidan’s character is particularly compelling because of his unique outlook. He’s a naturally confident and curious person, and his background in high school theater and love for horror really informed his performance, making it feel very natural for him to be in this world. He genuinely elevated the film, bringing a vibrant energy to every scene, and even added some fantastic improvised moments.

Be sure to check out more Bugonia insight with:

  • Our Bugonia Review
  • Emma Stone’s chances of taking home an Oscar for the film
  • Our other recommendations for this week’s releases alongside Bugonia

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2025-10-30 23:30