Bigbug

Bigbug is a French science fiction black comedy film, written and directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, that was released on 11 February 2022 by Netflix.[1][2] It stars Elsa Zylberstein, Isabelle Nanty, Youssef Hajdi, Alban Lenoir and François Levantal.[3] Set in the world of 2045, where communities have robotic helpers, a group of suburbanites are locked in for their own protection by their household robots, while a rogue, sentient AI android revolt uprising outside.

Bigbug
Official release poster
Directed byJean-Pierre Jeunet
Written by
  • Jean-Pierre Jeunet
  • Guillaume Laurant
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyThomas Hardmeier
Edited byHervé Schneid
Production
companies
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • 11 February 2022 (2022-02-11)
CountryFrance
LanguageFrench

Synopsis

In 2045, artificial intelligence is everywhere. So much so that humanity relies on it to satisfy its every need and every desire, even the most secret and wicked. In a quiet suburban residential area, four domestic robots suddenly decide to take their masters hostage in their own home. Locked together, a not-quite-so-blended family, an intrusive neighbor, and her enterprising domestic robots are now forced to put up with each other in an increasingly hysterical atmosphere. While outside, the Yonyx, the latest generation of AI androids, are becoming rogue and attempting to take over the world and destroy the human race. When the tensions begin to rise as the threat draws closer, the humans look elsewhere, get jealous, and rip into each other under the bewildered eyes of their indoor robots. Maybe it's the robots who've got a soul or not.

Cast

Production

Filming began in October 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] The film was shot on an Arri Alexa LF.[5]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 46% of 35 reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.60/10. The website's critics consensus states, "Jeunet fans will find the whimsy they seek within BigBug, although it isn't enough to make this mishmash more than intermittently engaging."[6] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 46 out of 100 based on 14 critics' reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[7]

Themes and analysis

When asked about the film's subtext on the future of humanity, Jeunet stated:

"I hate messages. But if there is a message in “Bigbug” it is that artificial intelligence will never kill human beings because they will stay stupid. They don’t have a soul."[8]

The film was interpreted by several critics as a political satire, mocking COVID-19 lockdowns and humanity's increasing dependence on technology.[9] Armond White of National Review wrote that the film is "about mankind trapped in its own hubris",[10] which was "the first great satire of the Covid-era lockdown and Big Tech enslavement."[11] The film contains a reference to a pandemic known as "COVID-50".[12]

References
  1. François Léger (January 21, 2020). "BigBug : Jean-Pierre Jeunet dévoile le casting de sa comédie de SF sur Netflix". Premiere (in French). Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  2. Lattanzio, Ryan (December 27, 2021). "'Bigbug' Trailer: Jean-Pierre Jeunet Makes Netflix Debut with Raunchy Robot Comedy". IndieWire. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  3. Francois, Jean (January 21, 2020). "The production of "BigBug" was officially announced". jpjeunet.com. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  4. "BigBug : Jean-Pierre Jeunet a commencé le tournage de son film Netflix". Première (in French). October 5, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  5. "Cinematographer Thomas Hardmeier, AFC, discusses his work on Jean-Pierre Jeunet's film "Big Bug"". afcinema.com. 2022.
  6. "Bigbug". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  7. "Bigbug". Metacritic. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  8. Aguilar, Carlos (February 11, 2022). "Whether He's Talking 'Amélie' or 'Bigbug,' Jean-Pierre Jeunet Doesn't Hold Back". The New York Times.
  9. "BIGBUG -- Jean Pierre-Jeunet's Lockdown Satire". Disappointment Media. February 11, 2022.
  10. White, Armond (February 23, 2023). "Jeunet's Amazing, Insightful Big Bug". National Review.
  11. White, Armond (January 6, 2023). "The 2022 Better-Than List". National Review.
  12. Bonamie, Ross (February 11, 2022). "'Bigbug' Review: Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Sci-Fi Comedy Is Too Scattershot and Obnoxious For Its Own Good". Collider.
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