Thoroughbreds

Thoroughbreds, released in 2017, is an absorbing film that masterfully treads through the darker alleys of human psyche. The unconventional coming-of-age crime drama is infused with the wit of black comedy and the subtle horror of a psychological thriller. The movie features sterling performances from Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Anton Yelchin in his final film role before his tragic premature death.

The narrative of Thoroughbreds is centered around two teenage girls – Amanda (played by Olivia Cooke) and Lily (played by Anya Taylor-Joy), who navigate the high-society suburban life in Connecticut. The movie skilfully explores the themes of identity, morality, and the paramount omnipotence of sociopath tendencies reflecting through the bond relit between these old friends.

Olivia Cooke's character, Amanda, is a socially detached teenager, whose actions have resulted in her becoming an outcast in high society, and the reason for her forced reconnection with Lily. Cooke's portrayal of Amanda's emotional numbness is extraordinary, drawing viewers into her sardonic world, and yet maintaining a distanced aloofness. Cooke effortlessly showcases the indifference and emptiness that blankets the inherited luxury of her life.

On the other hand, Anya Taylor-Joy's Lily is a polished, poised, and perfectly put-together young woman, embodying the perfect façade of privileged society. From her perfectly maintained mansion to her accurate angular eyebrows, Lily is all about perfection. Having said that, subtle cracks start appearing in this seemingly perfect exterior, revealing layers in her character, thus making Lily's persona perfectly juxtaposed to Amanda's apparent ambivalence.

Anton Yelchin's character Mark --- a local hustler cum aspiring entrepreneur of sorts who finds himself intertwined within Amanda and Lily's world--- brings an unorthodox charm to the movie. Yelchin presents Mark as a study in contrasts, making him a character that is both pitiable yet deserving of all that befalls him in an ironic manner.

As the narrative unfolds, the film skilfully navigates between high society's expectations and darker individual propensities underneath that polished surface. The excellent script is razor-sharp, laden with dry humor and stark observations that hold society’s reflection in an unfiltered light.

Cory Finley, who marks a striking directorial debut with Thoroughbreds, draws out subtly disturbing, pitch-perfect performances from his young cast. His ability to handle the layers of tension, humor, and unease is commendable and sets him up as a filmmaker to watch.

Visually, Thoroughbreds seizes an eerily stylish aesthetic that pairs beautifully with the haunting original score by Erik Friedlander and shrewd sound design. Lyle Vincent's cinematography underscores the contrast between the opulent Connecticut mansions and the dark undertones that permeate the film. The setting's mundanity contrasts with the actions of the characters, making their twisted escapades even more jarringly fascinating, akin to a car wreck you can't look away from.

Thoroughbreds paints a vivid picture of youth, privilege, moral ambiguity, and shockingly calm acceptance of the outrageous. Throughout the movie, there is also an abundance of silent moments, adding a layer of tension that keeps you on the edge. These silences, coupled with the disconcerting plot, give the film a chilling atmosphere that lingers even after the credits have rolled.

While Thoroughbreds can be bleak, there's an undeniable thrill that accompanies the journey of its protagonists, a sense of morbid fascination in seeing how far they'll go. The film pushes boundaries, exploring dark themes with surprising levity and a unique, offbeat sense of humor.

In conclusion, Thoroughbreds is a surprisingly fresh take on the crime genre that cleverly blends dark humor with a deep dive into the dysfunctional psyche of privileged youth. It is a compelling portrait of suburban teenage life that's as disturbing as it is enthralling. Ambiguous moral boundaries, excellent performances from the lead actors, and a distinct directorial style make Thoroughbreds a must-watch for those seeking an offbeat cinematic experience.