As 2025 reaches its halfway point, there really isn’t a frontrunner for the year’s best film. There’s no doubt Ryan Coogler‘s “Sinners” will be near the top of critics’ top-10 lists this December, sure. But so far overall, 2025 feels a bit weak in terms of critically acclaimed, super memorable films destined to be modern classics. So what remains on the 2025 release calendar that could shake things up?
READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2025
Enter Yorgos Lanthimos‘ “Bugonia,” which ranks at #4 on The Playlist’s Most Anticipated Films Of 2025 List. Focus Features just dropped the first teaser for Lanthimos’ latest this morning, and announced the film’s theatrical release dates in late October. Now all that’s left is where “Bugonia” will have its world premiere before it reaches audiences, and no doubt becomes part of this year’s awards season conversation.
Based on Jang Joon-hwan‘s 2003 South Korean film “Save The Green Planet!,” “Bugonia” stars Lanthimos muse Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons in a tale about conspiracy theorists, suspected extra-terrestrials, and the fate of planet Earth. Here’s an official synopsis for the film, courtesy of Focus Features:
Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
Along with Stone and Plemons, “Bugonia” also stars Aidan Delbis, Savros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone.
Lanthimos directs a screenplay by Will Tracy for “Bugonia.” Producers on the film include Lanthimos, Stone, Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Ari Aster, Lars Knudsen, Miky Lee, Jerry Kyoungboum Ko.
“Bugonia” will hit select theaters on October 24 before opening nationwide on Halloween, October 31. That guarantees Lanthimos’ latest will have a Fall festival world premiere, and the smart bet there is for it to bow on the Lido at Venice. Watch the teaser for “Bugonia” below.
