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Review: Thoroughbreds (2017)

Thoroughbreds (2017)

This film is very much one of those indie-gems that flies under the radar but is absolutely worth a watch. It is a creatively-made dark comedy about two polar-opposite high schoolers who decide to of one of their horrible step-dads. Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) is highly emotional, put-together and academic, while Amanda (Olivia Cooke) feels, literally, nothing at all, lacks motivation for school and has a dark and troubled past. They are old friends though, and, after a number of years apart, upon Lily beginning to tutor Amanda they reach the decision to send Lily's step-dad to sleeping with the fishes. To do so they decide to bring in help from another older and no-less troubled teen, Tim (Anton Yelchin).
First-time director/writer, Cory Finley's, direction and script are both sharp, intelligent and captivating. Finley is a definite talent to keep an eye on and I foresee him having a long and successful career ahead. There is an exhilarating momentum that runs through the film that bounces back and forth between the highly dark and also comedic plot. Much of this comes to life through the film's unique and tribalistic score that elevates the film from conventionality. What really makes the film pop though are the outstanding performances by the three leads. Each thrives in the individual and original characters they impersonate and the chemistry and dynamics between them are evident. Taylor-Joy and Cooke are each making a name for themselves having starred in some large recent blockbusters. This film is also notable as it was tragically Yelchin's final performance. Yelchin was an incredibly talented actor and his performance here too was yet again a great one - he will be sadly and sorely missed.
Thoroughbreds' sharp wit has the trappings of a Coen brothers film but with a focus on teenagers and a story that is more linear than many of the Coens' recent outings. Finley, Taylor-Joy and Cooke are all soon-to-be superstars in the industry and it is a pleasure watching their successful and highly entertaining collaboration here in Thoroughbreds. It is a must-see.
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