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Fans Shave Heads for 'Bugonia' Stunt as Lanthimos–Stone Thriller Draws Split Early Reviews

A Los Angeles bald-only screening underscored Focus Features' immersive campaign ahead of the Oct. 24 limited debut.

Overview

  • Focus Features staged a bald-only advance screening at the Culver Theater in Culver City, offering free entry and on-site head shaving for attendees.
  • The film opens in select U.S. theaters on Oct. 24 with a wider rollout set for Oct. 31.
  • Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the story follows a pharmaceutical CEO kidnapped by conspiracy believers, adapted from Jang Joon-hwan’s 2003 South Korean cult film Save the Green Planet!.
  • Emma Stone said she shaved her head for the role and described the transformation as quick and fun in newly published interviews.
  • Early U.S. reviews praise Stone and Jesse Plemons’ performances and the film’s craft, while faulting its tone and thematic follow-through.