Oscar-Nominated Film 'Bugonia' Explores Power of Empathy

Screenwriter Will Tracy's script examines social issues like polarization and lack of empathy.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Oscar-nominated film 'Bugonia' follows a disaffected paranoiac named Teddy who kidnaps a wealthy CEO, Michelle, believing she is an alien plotting to destroy humanity. Screenwriter Will Tracy's script indelibly examines contemporary social issues like polarization, echo chambers, and a lack of empathy for perceived enemies. Tracy revealed that he, like any good writer, couldn't help but feel empathy for even his most questionable characters.

Why it matters

The matter of empathy is central to 'Bugonia' and its effectiveness as a work of art. The film explores how wealthy elites can ruthlessly pursue their objectives with no empathy for those who suffer, while the kidnapper's capacity to empathize erodes. The question of empathy for those who have done terrible things becomes key to the film's conclusion.

The details

Screenwriter Will Tracy is nominated for an Oscar for his script for the film 'Bugonia,' which follows a disaffected paranoiac named Teddy who kidnaps Michelle, the wealthy CEO of an unethical pharmaceutical company, believing she is an alien in disguise plotting to destroy humanity. Through this narrative, Tracy's screenplay examines social issues like polarization, echo chambers, and a lack of empathy.

  • The film 'Bugonia' was released in theaters last fall.
  • Tracy visited the local Mill Valley Film Festival when 'Bugonia' screened there last October.

The players

Will Tracy

The screenwriter of the Oscar-nominated film 'Bugonia'.

Teddy

The disaffected paranoiac character in 'Bugonia' who kidnaps Michelle.

Michelle

The wealthy CEO of an unethical pharmaceutical company who is kidnapped by Teddy in 'Bugonia'.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, there are days where I feel like Teddy.”

— Will Tracy, Screenwriter (Mill Valley Film Festival)

What’s next

The film 'Bugonia' is nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture.

The takeaway

This Oscar-nominated film highlights the power of empathy in addressing social issues like polarization and lack of understanding for those with opposing views. By exploring the perspectives of even the most questionable characters, 'Bugonia' demonstrates how cultivating empathy can be essential to a healthy society.