Bugonia

It’s just brilliant all around. I see this as a dark satire and a tragic cautionary tale about where we’ll end up if we give in to isolation, certainty, and violence. Yorgos moves his camera like a paint brush. Impeccable performances - Emma and Jessie murder. Newcomer Aidan Delbis is amazing too. An acting masterclass.. anything less and this would fall apart.. and yet they make it look effortless. Gorgeously shot by Robbie Ryan. You’ll drool over these images on 4k blu-ray. There couldn’t be a larger contrast between this and the increasingly dull, uninspired and aggressively realist lighting from so many shows and movies nowadays. Incredible writing and intentional sound design. A masterfully crafted technical experience that’s bold and present but never overbearing. I wish they focused a little more on Don’s humanity and his moral compass that guides us throughout to add more nuance to the aggressive bleakness in tone, but I really like what they did do with his character. Every time I’m left stunned. It’s such a perfect ending that sticks the landing so well. Lanthimos always trusts the intelligence of his audience and thus provides a rich, intellectually stimulating experience unlike any other. It’s a unique and original vision that’s utterly fascinating and I feel so lucky to get to witness it. An all-time great film and director.