#2 of 10: "Bugonia". Grade: B
Wow, what a trip! What starts as a skewed crime drama turns into a skewed social commentary/"Black Mirror" (minus the technology) episode. Like "The Substance" from last year, this movie asks more questions than it answers. Some of the questions are profound. Some are not. Is this a social satire about "doing your own research"? Is it a commentary about the elite helping themselves while the rest of us suffer? Is it a mash-up of both related, yet unrelated, concepts?
While Emma Stone is the nominee here for Best Actress, the star turn belongs to Jesse Plemons. Honestly, is there a better actor out there at playing a mentally tortured human being? In a sane round world, the Oscar should go to ... (the un-nominated) Mr. Plemons.
While the script was interesting, there were a couple of hiccups. What was up with the two flashback/flash forward scenes with the young Teddy? And what of Don and Officer/babysitter Casey? Integral exposition to explain Teddy's insanity or diversions from his genius? Please go figure.
I liked the movie, and I'm sure it will stay with me for a while. But, I didn't love it. Its best shot at an Oscar is the Adapted Screenplay. I think it's likely to go home with just its four nominations.
