For discerning viewers and dedicated Watch Materialists, a film is more than just entertainment; it's a study in craft, character, and thematic depth. Few recent films embody this intricate, unsettling, and masterfully constructed ethos better than Cory Finley's directorial debut, Thoroughbreds. This darkly comedic thriller, starring the phenomenal Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy, is a cinematic gem that rewards close analysis and repeated viewing. It's a film that doesn't just tell a story—it dissects the very nature of morality, privilege, and emotional detachment with a surgeon's precision.
At its core, Thoroughbreds is a character study of two teenage girls from affluent backgrounds. Amanda (Olivia Cooke) is a self-professed sociopath, devoid of conventional emotions but possessing a chillingly logical mind. Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) is her former friend, now a polished, ambitious, and deeply repressed young woman navigating the pressures of her wealthy stepfather's world. Their reunion sets in motion a plot that is less about the act of violence it contemplates and more about the psychological dance between these two formidable personalities. For fans of sharp dialogue and complex character dynamics, this film is an essential entry in the modern drama canon.
Unpacking the Themes: A Watch Materialist's Perspective
What makes Thoroughbreds so compelling for a Watch Materialist audience is its meticulous construction. Every element, from the sterile, modernist mansion setting to the sparse, haunting score, serves a purpose. The film explores themes of performative morality, the commodification of emotion, and the emptiness lurking beneath a veneer of perfection. Amanda's clinical assessment of human behavior acts as a mirror, forcing Lily—and the audience—to question the authenticity of their own feelings and actions. This intellectual rigor is what elevates the movie from a simple thriller to a thought-provoking piece of art.
Standout Performances: Olivia Cooke's Defining Role
The film's power is inextricably linked to its cast. The late Anton Yelchin delivers a poignant and sleazy turn as a small-time drug dealer, but it is Olivia Cooke who truly steals the show. Her portrayal of Amanda is a masterclass in controlled, minimalist acting. She conveys volumes through slight vocal inflections and calculated stillness, making Amanda both terrifying and strangely sympathetic. Anya Taylor-Joy matches her with a performance of coiled tension and mounting desperation. Their chemistry is the engine of the film, a duet of manipulation and mutual understanding that is utterly captivating to dissect.
Why Thoroughbreds Deserves Your Collection: DVD, Blu-ray, and Beyond
For true cinephiles, owning a physical copy is a statement of appreciation. Thoroughbreds is a film that benefits from the high-quality presentation of Blu-ray. The crisp transfer highlights the film's precise cinematography—the sharp lines of the mansion, the contrasting shadows, and the evocative use of color. While a DVD provides the film, the Blu-ray experience allows you to fully appreciate the visual and auditory details that Finley and his team so carefully crafted. The special features often included, such as director commentary, provide further insight into the filmmaking process, making it a valuable addition for any serious film collector.
Thoroughbreds in the Landscape of Modern Cinema
Since its release, Thoroughbreds has cultivated a dedicated following. It stands as a brilliant example of how a modestly budgeted, idea-driven film can make a significant impact. It shares DNA with classics like Heathers and American Psycho in its satirical look at wealth and alienation, yet it carves out its own unique, contemporary identity. Its influence can be seen in the rise of similarly tense, character-focused thrillers. For anyone curating a collection of impactful modern movies, this title is non-negotiable.
Final Verdict: A Masterpiece for Discerning Viewers
Thoroughbreds is not a film for everyone. Its pace is deliberate, its humor bone-dry, and its conclusion morally ambiguous. But for the Watch Materialist—the viewer who seeks out films with layered narratives, impeccable craft, and performances that linger long after the credits roll—it is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s a chilling, intelligent, and beautifully made exploration of the human condition under extreme privilege. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting it for the fifth, Thoroughbreds promises a rich and rewarding experience that exemplifies the very best of what cinema can offer.
