Emma Stone Transforms Again in Yorgos Lanthimos's Bugonia

Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos reunite in Bugonia, a bold new revenge fantasy that pushes visual and narrative boundaries. Following their celebrated success with Poor Things, expectations for this new release are sky-high. Yet, with reports that Stone shaved her head entirely for the role, fans and critics alike are asking: was the transformation worth it?

A Bold Role in a Daring Film

Stone’s role in Bugonia is physically and emotionally transformative. Known for her chameleon-like ability to adapt to offbeat characters, her decision to shave her head speaks volumes about the depth and commitment required for this part. It’s a move reminiscent of full-body method acting, echoing performances by Natalie Portman in V for Vendetta and Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road.

The film, directed by Lanthimos, tells a surreal story of revenge with his trademark stylised visuals and nonlinear narrative. Cementing their fifth collaboration, Lanthimos and Stone are clearly deepening their onscreen synergy, even if some critics are beginning to question whether the partnership still delivers innovation with each outing.

Emma Stone's Creative Evolution

From her breakout comedy performances to drama and surrealist satire, Emma Stone has consistently evolved. Winning the Oscar for Poor Things marked a high point in her collaboration with Lanthimos, showcasing her willingness to tackle unconventional roles. Bugonia is no different. Her physical transformation not only reflects the demands of her character, but also signals a performer deeply committed to her craft.

However, while Stone’s appearance marks a significant shift, audiences and reviewers are divided on whether the film truly delivers something new. Some praise its ambition; others suggest the formula of surreal visuals and fragmented storytelling is becoming familiar territory for the director-actress duo.

What Audiences Can Expect from Bugonia

If you've followed Emma Stone or Lanthimos’s recent work, Bugonia offers more of their now-signature style. It’s cerebral, visually rich, and emotionally unflinching. Here’s what to look out for:

• A dystopian revenge narrative grounded in psychological tension
• Emma Stone in a physically challenging and visually radical role
• Lanthimos’s meticulously crafted worlds and deadpan delivery
• Symbolism-heavy scenes and layered subtext
• Mixed early reviews pointing to both brilliance and creative fatigue

Why It Matters

Stone’s transformation for Bugonia reflects the continued effort to push cinematic boundaries. In a time when AI and CGI can provide any visual change, her decision to fully alter her appearance is a nod to classic film craftsmanship — where actor preparation and physical metamorphosis underscore storytelling. Though critiques of artistic redundancy are worth considering, artists striving to deliver raw emotional truth deserve recognition — especially when they take such visible risks.

Whether Bugonia becomes another critical milestone or a turning point in the Lanthimos-Stone collaboration, it proves both are still willing to commit fully to their artistic vision.

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Source: The Times
Published: 1 November 2025
Updated: 1 November 2025