The creative collaboration between Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos stands out as one of the most compelling director-actor partnerships in contemporary cinema. Their work together spans five projects, showcasing a shared affinity for dark humor and exploration of human relationships, providing a unique perspective that is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling. This ranking reviews all their joint efforts, emphasizing Emma Stone Yorgos Lanthimos films from the earliest to the most recent.
5. Bleat: An Experimental Short Film from Greece
Following the success of their initial feature collaboration, Yorgos Lanthimos ventured into creating Bleat, a 30-minute silent short film starring Emma Stone. Set on the Greek island of Tenos, this black-and-white piece offers a surreal narrative about a grieving woman’s psychological journey. Lanthimos insisted that Bleat must be experienced with live orchestral accompaniment, and it has only been shown at limited screenings, making it virtually inaccessible to the wider audience.
The absence of dialogue and the unconventional presentation make Bleat a challenging but rewarding glimpse into Lanthimos’ experimental style. Though the film has garnered praise from those fortunate enough to view it, its restricted availability places it at the bottom of this ranking list.
4. Kinds of Kindness: A Trio of Darkly Humorous Tales
Kinds of Kindness is an anthology film divided into three sections, all starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. Yorgos Lanthimos uses these segments to probe different human conditions, presenting stories about control, loss, and cult influence through his trademark blend of absurdism and satire. Each chapter explores twisted human devotion and the compromises people make for perceived security.
The first segment focuses on a man whose every action is dictated by his employer, reflecting themes of powerlessness and obsession. The second reunites a man with his wife after a dramatic sea rescue, while the third depicts two cult members attempting to recruit a girl with unusual purported abilities. The ensemble cast, including Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Hong Chau, delivers compelling performances across the board.
Emma Stone’s versatility shines as she portrays three distinct characters: Liz, a secretive woman; Emily, a more outgoing personality famous for a notable dance scene that resonated widely on social media; and the daughter caught in cult recruitment. The project serves as a playground for Lanthimos to experiment with familiar actors and themes, offering viewers a dark yet provocative cinematic journey.
3. Bugonia: Confronting Conspiracy through Absurdist Drama
Bugonia addresses the surreal and disturbing impact of conspiracy theories in modern society through Lanthimos’ distinct narrative style. Emma Stone stars as Michelle Fuller, a powerful CEO who is kidnapped by her cousins Teddy (Jesse Plemons) and Don (Aidan Delbis), convinced she is an alien responsible for global suffering. The tension between captors and captive unravels as shifting power dynamics highlight the breakdown of communication caused by incompatible worldviews.
The interactions between Stone and Plemons encompass a chilling, sometimes humorous examination of ideological conflict and mistrust. Stone’s deliberate, mechanical speech patterns evoke a sense of otherness that simultaneously entertains and unsettles, underscoring the film’s themes of alienation and miscommunication. This project reflects Lanthimos’ and Stone’s matured rapport, positioning Bugonia as a relevant reflection on societal divisions and the difficulty of dialogue.
2. The Favourite: Power Struggles Within the Royal Court
The Favourite stands out as a stylistic departure for Lanthimos, taking on an 18th-century royal setting while retaining his characteristic dark humor and psychological insight. This film marked Emma Stone’s first collaboration with Lanthimos and became a landmark for their professional partnership. Set against the backdrop of Queen Anne’s reign, the story follows two women vying for the Queen’s favor: the loyal Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) and the ambitious outsider Abigail Hill (Emma Stone).
The narrative dissects power through manipulation and sexual politics, focusing on Abigail’s complex journey from hopeful outsider to a darker, more sinister figure. Stone’s portrayal ranges from endearing and humorous to chillingly ruthless, demonstrating her ability to navigate layered character motivations. Her evolving demeanor keeps viewers invested in her quest, making her performance one of her finest. The film’s exploration of favoritism and control echoes Lanthimos’ recurring themes, earning it critical and audience acclaim.
1. Poor Things: A Bold Reimagining of Frankenstein’s Tale
Poor Things represents a pinnacle in the collaboration of Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos, merging experimental storytelling with a powerful central performance. Stone plays Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected with the mentality of an infant, whose awkwardness and innocence gradually give way to deeper awareness and autonomy. Lanthimos entrusts Stone to bring authenticity to a challenging role that balances comedy and tragedy while confronting gender and societal norms.
As Bella explores the world, the film delves into themes of power abuse, identity, and liberation from absurd social conventions. Stone’s portrayal evolves from tentative movements to assured expressions, embodying a nuanced character whose experiences question established norms. Her work in Poor Things was recognized with an Oscar for Best Actress, underscoring the success of this creative partnership where trust and artistic risk-taking converge.
This film marks a significant moment for Lanthimos and Stone, highlighting their synergy and mutual understanding. Through its feminist lens and richly textured narrative, Poor Things stands as a testament to their shared vision and artistic bravery.
