Directed By: Cory Finley
Written By: Cory Finley
Runtime: 1h 32min
In Thoroughbreds, high school friends Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Amanda (Olivia Cooke) rekindle their friendship after going through their own personal crises. As their friendship grows, the girls hatch a plan against Lily’s unpleasant stepfather, Mark (Paul Sparks), enlisting the help of drug dealer and local deadbeat Tim (Anton Yelchin).
I had high hopes for this film going in after seeing the cast list, and I was not disappointed. I was already impressed with Anya Taylor-Joy‘s performances in 2015’s The Witch and last year’s Split, and seeing her in this cemented her as one of my new favorite actresses. She goes from being relatively sweet and naive to ruthless and unhinged seamlessly throughout the movie, so gradually that it doesn’t seem forced or over-the-top. Olivia Cooke is excellent as well, making the cold and emotionless Amanda funny and surprisingly sympathetic. Lastly, Thoroughbreds is a reminder of the talent and charisma we lost in the late Anton Yelchin; he makes a character who is completely infuriating and sleazy hilarious while maintaining a sinister undertone.
Despite the strong acting, Thoroughbreds is not a particularly memorable movie. I’ve seen a few ads and reviews hailing it as the new Heathers, but besides the fact that both films are dark comedies with teenage girls as the leads, the two aren’t that similar. While the writing isn’t bad, and the cast delivers the deadpan, rapid-fire dialogue deftly without making it sound like a Gilmore Girls script, it’s not as enduringly quotable as the 1988 film it’s being compared to. It’s still a suspenseful story, and it could be an interesting exploration into mental illness, given a little more time and focus, but it’s just not strong enough to be iconic.
While Thoroughbreds isn’t a film you need to see in theaters, it’s a good showcase of some serious young talent. It’s only an hour and a half long, so if you’re bored, scrolling through Netflix and want to see some impressive performances, give it a watch.
Have you seen ‘Thoroughbreds’? Well, what did you think?
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I just reviewed this myself and I really liked it. I don’t think Heathers is a fair comparison at all, both are too different like you said. It’s sad that this is the last film for Anton though. I’ll never get over that.
Yeah, I really don’t understand the ads and reviews comparing the two. I’m not sure if it’s just other critics seeing something I’m not seeing, or if it’s advertisers trying to push it as this generation’s new teen dark comedy. I know what you mean about Anton; he was such a talented actor, and by all accounts, a great person in general. I am glad that his last film showcases how good he was.
I had heard about the movie vaguely and only because of it’s casting but didn’t give much attention to it, after your review, I don’t think I will. I mean, like you said Laura, if I’m bored then will give it a try!
Yeah, it’s not one you have to rush out to see. If you’re curious and stumble across it, it’s worth watching for the acting!
I hope to see but I don’t have the time at the moment to kind of go anywhere right now. I just hope it’s available on DVD soon.
I feel like indie-type films like this are usually pretty quickly. Fingers crossed!
I liked a lot about this movie, but I agree it doesn’t necessarily need to be seen in theaters. I hope it finds a steady following on Netflix, because you’re right, it showcased some great young talent.
I hope so too! It really did.
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