The actress also gushed over working with director Yorgos Lanthimos again: “a brilliant genius.”

Alicia Silverstone explains why she was surprised by shocking Bugonia bathtub scene

The actress also gushed over working with director Yorgos Lanthimos again: "a brilliant genius."

By Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff is an award-winning journalist and staff writer at ** with over 12 years of experience covering all facets of the entertainment industry.

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January 5, 2026 8:49 p.m. ET

Alicia Silverstone as Sandy in 'Bugonia'. Credit:

Even Alicia Silverstone was shocked by the stunning visuals involving Sandy, her character in *Bugonia*.

This is especially true for the memorable flashback scene in the film in which her character is shown levitating out of a bathtub. When asked about the scene at Sunday's Critics Choice Awards, Silverstone told *Access Hollywood*, "Well, I was lucky enough to work with [*Bugonia* director] Yorgos Lanthimos seven years ago on *Killing of a Sacred Deer*. He is my favorite. He is a brilliant genius. And when he asked me to do this, I was so honored. But I have to tell you, Will Tracy's script was extraordinary, but the visuals that you saw were not on the page — that's Yorgos."

The black-and-white flashback and other similar scenes visually illustrate Sandy's addiction, which ultimately led to her taking part in Michelle's company's drug trial, which rendered her comatose. This of course is what puts Michelle (Emma Stone) on the radar of Sandy's son, conspiracy theorist Teddy (Jesse Plemons), who kidnaps Michelle because he's convinced she is really a member of a malevolent alien species known as the Andromedans.

Alicia Silverstone and Jesse Plemons in 'Bugonia'.

Of the scene, Silverstone continued, "When I read it, I imagined sort of, can I say, like a drug addict on the floor in the bathroom. But then a month later, he started talking about all the things and I was like what? I could never have imagined. Yeah, I mean he's amazing."

The *Clueless* icon also had nothing but praise for her costars, telling *Access Hollywood*, "Emma and Jesse's performances are so extraordinary. And everyone in it, like Aidan [Delbis]."

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Silverstone was on hand at Sunday's awards shindig in support of the film, which was nominated for three awards: Best Picture, Best Actress (for Stone), and Best Adapted Screenplay (for Tracy).

Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons break down that 'really disgusting' scene at the end of 'Bugonia'

Emma Stone on shaving her head in one take for 'Bugonia' and the weird cream she had to wear for 'months'

The film is considered to be a major player in this awards season. The American Film Institute named it one of the top 10 films of 2025, and the project is up for another three awards at this Sunday's Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy (for Plemons), and Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy (for Stone).**

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Source: “EW Drama”