Thoroughbreds

Thoroughbreds (2017)

Runtime: 92 minutes

Directed by: Cory Finley

Starring: Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Anton Yelchin, Paul Sparks, Francie Swift

From: A few different indie companies

“A collection of awful people in Connecticut” is one way to describe this; so is “a movie not for me”. I wish that wasn't the case but it does exhibit some of the modern movie-making tropes (especially in the indie world) that aren't always to my liking. On the other side of the coin, it would be unfair of me to note that this sort of incredibly dark, droll film doesn't have an audience, as it undoubtedly does. A lot of people on Letterboxd are fans although there are plenty of times where I didn't agree with the consensus. The presence of Olivia Cooke, Anton Yelchin & site fave Anya Taylor-Joy did intrigue, and the idea of two moody teenagers wanting to kill a verbally & emotionally abusive D-bag of a stepfather is one I am willing to go with.

Cooke rejoins the life of Joy and the former has some sort of disorder which makes her emotionless. There's the flat, monotone acting that some directors think everyone should do in a movie for reasons that don't appeal to me whatsoever... that said, the dry, dark style isn't an automatic turn-off either. Cooke convinces her pal that murder is the way to get her out of a miserable situation. Then again, like I said most of the characters you see her aren't ones you want to support or empathize with.

The slow pace, the deliberate cinematography, the discordant soundtrack-a highlight for what it is-a decidedly noncommercial appeal, some high-brow dialogue, the needless usage of chapter title cards: yep, it is a modern indie movie, for better or for worse. I'm not even the first one to broach this, but whether or not it was the intention, my reaction after Thoroughbreds was as emotionless as Cooke's character. That is despite noting the strong performances of the three lead characters—Yelchin actually did not appear that often but still delivered with limited screentime. I still have never complained about an acting job done by any of the three.

It's an exercise that will work for many on Letterboxd-if only I felt the same way. The top three billed at least have chosen or did choose some interesting roles in their careers. Those that think this is more to their tastes, note that it is incredibly bleak and nihilistic (about the worst movie to see during the holiday season) so beware.