Actress Emma Stone, renowned for her versatility and acclaim, has formed a remarkable creative partnership with Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos since 2018. This collaboration has produced several critically acclaimed films that blend unconventional storytelling with powerful performances. Highlighting the unique dynamic between Stone and Lanthimos, this article ranks their joint projects, focusing on how their talents complement one another and create some of the most distinctive cinema of recent years.
Latest Anthology Experiment: ‘Kinds of Kindness’ (2024)
Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos’ third collaboration is Kinds of Kindness, an unusual anthology film that presents Stone in three distinct roles across interconnected narratives. The movie weaves together stories featuring Robert, controlled by his lover Raymond; a policeman, Daniel, suspicious of a woman claiming to be his wife; and a cultist named Emily searching for a mysterious figure with the power to revive the dead.
This film’s abstract and sometimes unsettling tone may challenge mainstream viewers and even those familiar with Lanthimos’ distinct style. Its varied and surreal imagery shifts through discomfort and dark humor, creating a complex viewing experience. Fans of Lanthimos’ bold storytelling are likely to appreciate its provocative approach, and Stone delivers strong performances, particularly in the third segment, “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich,” where she commands the screen. While Kinds of Kindness is considered the least accessible and weakest collaboration so far, it remains a daring exploration of narrative form and character eccentricities.
Recent Sci-Fi Satire: ‘Bugonia’ (2025)
The duo’s most recent film, Bugonia, offers a quirky sci-fi comedy inspired by the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet!. Stone plays Michelle Fuller, a pharmaceutical CEO abducted by two eccentric men: Teddy, a conspiracy theorist, and his autistic cousin Don. Believing Michelle is an alien, they hold her captive in a cellar, hoping she will reach out to her homeworld.
The film showcases Lanthimos’ trademark peculiar style — blending absurdity, dark humor, and sudden bursts of psychological violence. The tension between Stone’s cold, composed Michelle and Jesse Plemmons’ increasingly unstable Teddy drives much of the narrative’s intensity. Stone’s portrayal earned her a Best Actress Oscar nomination and recognition for Best Picture, marking a historic milestone as the first woman nominated twice in both categories for the same film. Although Bugonia is not the partnership’s strongest outing, it reinforces their reputation for crafting daring and provocative cinema.
Period Drama Masterpiece: ‘The Favourite’ (2018)
The Favourite is a sharp, dark comedy set in the early 18th century, focusing on Queen Anne’s troubled reign. Olivia Colman stars as the queen, whose frailty and emotional turmoil are central to the story. Rachel Weisz plays Sarah Churchill, Anne’s close friend and lover, who manipulates the queen’s decisions. When Sarah’s cousin Abigail Masham, portrayed by Stone, arrives, she initially appears innocent but quickly reveals a more cunning nature.
This film is a rare blend of biting satire and historical drama that delves deep into themes of power, betrayal, and desire. Colman’s performance balances vulnerability and grotesqueness, earning wide praise, while Weisz delivers a commanding turn as the calculating Duchess of Marlborough. Stone’s Abigail completes the triad, embodying a seemingly naïve but strategically ruthless character. Lanthimos’ direction here is both curious and intricate, using this historical narrative to explore timeless human emotions and relationships. The Favourite remains one of the most acclaimed films in both actors’ careers, highlighting their collaborative brilliance.
Top Collaboration Highlight: ‘Poor Things’ (2023)
At the pinnacle of their partnership is Poor Things, a genre-defying film adapted from Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel. Stone takes on the role of Bella Baxter, a Victorian woman brought back to life with the brain of an infant after a failed suicide attempt. As Bella reacquaints herself with the world, she defies her creator Godwin Baxter, played by Willem Dafoe, and escapes with Max McCandles, her caretaker, alongside the decadent lawyer Duncan Wedderburn, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo.
This film is a bold, provocative exploration of identity, sexuality, and creation, with Stone delivering a deeply compelling and vibrant portrayal of Bella. Her performance is filled with energy and emotional depth, capturing the character’s innocence and rebellious spirit. The movie embraces surreal and daring themes with an unflinching, often humorous approach that challenges conventions. It is arguably the most emotionally uplifting and life-affirming film of Lanthimos and Stone’s collaborations, cementing their status as two of the most innovative talents working today.
Stone has reflected on their unique working relationship, saying she and Lanthimos
have something that (she) can’t explain, and (she is) so grateful for.
Emma Stone’s and Yorgos Lanthimos’ joint efforts continue to push boundaries in cinema, blending audacity with artistry.
Their evolving partnership signals a promising future for audiences seeking films that defy norms and encourage reflection on complex human experiences. With each new release, they contribute to a growing legacy that could stand alongside some of the most celebrated director-actor collaborations in film history.
