Before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars through films like Furiosa and Dune: Part Two, Anya Taylor-Joy delivered one of her most compelling performances in the 2017 psychological thriller Thoroughbreds.
Despite earning praise from critics, the film never reached the mainstream popularity of many of Taylor-Joy’s later projects. Nearly a decade later, however, Thoroughbreds continues to stand out as one of the most distinctive mystery thrillers available to streaming audiences.
A Dark Story of Friendship and Secrets
Directed by Cory Finley in his feature-film debut, Thoroughbreds follows two wealthy teenagers living in suburban Connecticut whose unlikely friendship gradually takes a dangerous turn.
Taylor-Joy plays Lily, an ambitious high school student navigating a troubled home life, while Olivia Cooke portrays Amanda, a socially isolated young woman who claims she is incapable of feeling emotion.
As the pair reconnect after years apart, their conversations become increasingly unsettling, leading them toward a shocking plan involving Lily’s abusive stepfather.
Rather than relying on jump scares or action sequences, the film builds tension through sharp dialogue, psychological conflict and moral ambiguity.
Outstanding Performances
One of the film’s greatest strengths is the chemistry between its two lead actors.
Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a layered performance as Lily, capturing both vulnerability and emotional restraint, while Olivia Cooke gives an unforgettable portrayal of Amanda, a character whose calm exterior hides deeply unsettling complexity.
The supporting cast, including Paul Sparks, also contributes to the film’s tense atmosphere without overshadowing its central relationship.
A Different Kind of Psychological Thriller
Unlike traditional murder mysteries, Thoroughbreds focuses less on solving a crime and more on exploring human behaviour, manipulation and emotional detachment.
The screenplay avoids easy answers, allowing viewers to interpret the motivations of its characters as events unfold.
The film also examines themes including:
- Friendship and loyalty
- Privilege and isolation
- Emotional trauma
- Moral responsibility
- Psychological manipulation
Its intimate storytelling and minimalist style make it stand apart from more conventional crime thrillers.
A Tightly Paced 93-Minute Film
With a runtime of approximately 93 minutes, Thoroughbreds wastes little time establishing its characters and escalating the tension.
The concise storytelling keeps the narrative focused while maintaining suspense until its final moments.
Its carefully crafted pacing has helped the film develop a loyal following among fans of psychological cinema.
Is Thoroughbreds Worth Watching?
For viewers who enjoy character-driven mysteries and psychological dramas, Thoroughbreds remains one of the most overlooked films in Anya Taylor-Joy’s career.
Its intelligent writing, memorable performances and unsettling atmosphere continue to resonate years after its original release.
Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting it, the film offers a compelling alternative to more traditional crime thrillers.
