Review of Thoroughbreds (2018) by Anna K — 15 Jul 2018

Thoroughbreds is frighteningly funny and scarily smart. Its pulsing score beats alongside the heart of this living breathing thriller masterpiece. From the surreal color palette to the panning cinematography, this movie is deliciously original.

It's plot isn't overcomplicated. It omits what it doesn't need Thoroughbreds is rooted in the idea of showing not telling your audience. Pairing two incredibly different characters and talented actresses was the best decision this movie makes.

It's small cast of characters stand out, each meticulously crafted to serve a purpose in this story. This movie has a depth that I know I wasn't expecting. This movie isn't clever for the sake of it.

It has something to say. First time writer director Cory Finley assembles his puzzle of a film in mesmerizing fashion. He has the wisdom of a filmmaker with ten times his experience. Watch out for his future work, because he is a master in the making.

The dialogue is so natural between Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy you can get lost in their scenes together. This movie makes conscious choices on its portrayal of violence, morality, family dysfunction, and mental illness.

It asks questions of its audience. What justifies an act of violence? Does impassiveness lead to skewed morality? It plays with your perception of characters as well as right and wrong. It doesn't ever push it's audience to disbelief, despite it's surrealist tones, and has an emotional gut punch of a twist ending worthy of M.

Night Shyamalan. That's actually not an unfair comparison. Thoroughbreds runs at only around ninety minutes, with a small talented cast, and a strong attention to character to detail. While different in tone to the Sixth Sense, it's execution is just as perfect.

Shoutout to Olivia Cooke for delivering an awards worthy performance. She stood out the most, edging out even Anya. Thoroughbreds balances comedy, drama, and thriller on a pinhead and succeeds spectacularly.

My last note on this movie is that it is truly a tragedy that we lost Anton Yelchin so soon. His last performance is a wonderful one, and his talent should not be forgotten- Good for ages 14+- Mars.