Thoroughbreds

Thoroughbreds offers a chilling snapshot of suburban life with a dark twist. While the film carries an intriguing premise, it struggles to maintain momentum throughout its runtime.

Dark Plans in Suburbia

The film follows Amanda (Olivia Cooke) and Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy), two privileged high school students in Connecticut who reconnect after years apart. Faced with Lily's abusive stepfather, the pair concocts a chilling plan to eliminate him, seeking help from a lowlife drug dealer, Tim (Anton Yelchin). As they navigate their moral boundaries, the story exposes themes of friendship, privilege, and the darker aspects of human nature. However, the film's pacing issues leave some crucial plot points underdeveloped, which might frustrate viewers looking for a more cohesive narrative.

Performances with Sharp Edges

The performances in Thoroughbreds are certainly one of its strengths, with Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy delivering strong portrayals of complex characters. Their chemistry feels authentic, and Cooke's sardonic wit often shines through. However, Anton Yelchin's role as Tim feels underutilized; while he brings charisma, his character lacks the depth needed to elevate the stakes. Paul Sparks as the stepfather is menacing, yet his character could have benefitted from more screen time to truly flesh out the antagonistic relationship with Lily.

Stylized Yet Superficial

Cory Finley’s direction leans heavily on stylized visuals and a slick, minimalist aesthetic. The cinematography employs a cool palette that matches the film's cold themes and characters. However, while the visual choices are impressive, they occasionally overshadow the narrative, leaving viewers with a sense of superficiality. The pacing is where the film falters the most; certain scenes drag on without purpose, leading to moments that feel tedious instead of tense. The editing could have benefited from a tighter approach to enhance the psychological tension.

Slow Burn, Uneven Tension

Watching Thoroughbreds can be a mixed experience. The film sets out to explore dark themes of privilege and morality but often feels detached, making it hard for the audience to fully invest emotionally. While some moments are darkly humorous, a significant amount of screen time feels sluggish, leading to sporadic boredom. It’s like watching a slow burn that sometimes fizzles out before igniting, leaving viewers frustrated rather than intrigued. There are moments that hint at deeper emotional truths, but they fall short of delivering a real punch.