Bugonia (2025) is a satirical sci-fi dark comedy co-produced by Ireland, South Korea, and the U.S.
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Will Tracy, it stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Alicia Silverstone, and Stavros Halkias.
The plot follows two conspiracy-obsessed men who kidnap a pharmaceutical CEO they believe is an alien, told without spoilers.
It’s an English-language remake of Save the Green Planet! and opens in U.S. theaters October 24 (limited) with a wide rollout October 31 via Focus Features.
Bugonia Age Rating
Bugonia is rated R “for bloody, violent content including a suicide, grisly images, and language.” This R rating signals frequent intensity, brief but graphic gore, and adult language. Expect disturbing captivity scenes and psychological stress tied to conspiracy themes.
Violence & Peril
Violence arrives in sharp, shocking bursts with grisly imagery and one on-screen suicide referenced by the rating. The kidnapping setup creates sustained peril and psychological torment during captivity. Critics also note “bursts of gory violence” alongside pitch-black humor. Viewers should expect a tense atmosphere with unsettling injury detail.
Language
The film contains frequent strong language, consistent with the R-rating rationale. Profanity appears during arguments, threats, and moments of panic. No widespread reporting of slurs in major reviews as of publication. Parents sensitive to coarse dialogue should be aware.
Mature Themes
Themes include conspiracy thinking, paranoia, and the ethics of corporate power. Head-shaving is shown during captivity, which some viewers may find disturbing. The trailer highlights this as part of the kidnappers’ control tactics. Emotional distress and nihilistic ideas are discussed.
Is Bugonia Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The violent imagery and disturbing captivity are not appropriate. The tone is intense and unsettling.
Ages 13–15: No. The R-rated gore, suicide element, and heavy paranoia themes exceed this range. Guidance can’t offset the overall intensity.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Mature older teens who handle dark satire may cope, but caution is advised. Discuss violence, language, and the film’s bleak worldview afterward.
Final recommendation: Best suited for adults and 16+ mature teens with guidance, due to R-rated violence, grisly images, and language.
What Parents Can Do
Prep for intensity: Explain that satire can show shocking violence to make a point, so the tone may feel harsh.
Media literacy chat: Talk about conspiracies, online radicalization, and how certainty can lead to harm.
Wellbeing check-in: If teens watch, debrief feelings around captivity, despair, and moral ambiguity afterward.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is Bugonia’s official age rating?
It’s rated R for bloody, violent content, including a suicide, grisly images, and language.
2) Is Bugonia appropriate for kids or younger teens?
No. The violent imagery, disturbing themes, and language are not suitable for kids or younger teens.
3) How violent or scary is it?
Violence is intermittent but graphic, with grisly moments and a suicide; suspense remains high throughout.
4) How strong is the language?
Expect frequent strong language aligned with the R rating’s “language” reason.
5) Does it include sexual content or nudity?
Major reviews focus on violence and psychological intensity; sexual content is not a primary factor in the rating.
6) Where can I watch Bugonia?
In U.S. theaters October 24 (limited) with wide release October 31 via Focus Features; streaming is TBA.