Pop Culture Happy Hour Bugonia And What’s Making Us Happy
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Oct 31, 2025 Badatri D. Chaudhry, a film critic and arts editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer, joins the discussion on the intriguing film Bugonia, where Emma Stone plays a CEO caught in a bizarre conspiracy. The panel delves into the film's dark themes and complex dynamics, questioning its portrayal of capitalism and the claustrophobic tone. They also explore the implications of Lanthimos's direction on Stone's characters and debate the film’s unsatisfying ending. The conversation wraps up with a lively segment about recent art and media that brings joy, including recommendations on performances and music.
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When Lanthimos Is At His Best
- Yorgos Lanthimos's films are strongest when he writes and directs his own scripts, showcasing his distinct mannered style and bleak humor.
- Glenn Weldon finds Begonia mid-tier because it lacks that full, idiosyncratic Lanthimos authorship signature.
Real-World Satire Clashes With Lanthimos Style
- Begonia tries to mirror our contemporary world rather than build a wholly original Lanthimosian universe, which creates tension with his usual approach.
- Badatri D. Chaudhry and Aisha Harris both note this makes the film feel like blunt metaphor rather than nuanced satire.
Remake Loses Nuance Across Cultures
- Begonia is a remake of the 2003 Korean film Save the Green Planet, and cultural shifts change the story's resonance.
- Badatri D. Chaudhry notes elements that worked in 2003 can become blunt metaphors in a 2025 American setting.