Thoroughbreds — A calculated revenge with emotional distance
The film balances dark humor and tension but leans too much into its own stylized detachment, limiting emotional connection.
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Spoiler-free review.
Lily and Amanda's plan is built on cold logic rather than emotional urgency, which defines their relationship. Their shared goal lacks the personal stakes that would make their actions feel more urgent or tragic. The script leans into irony but rarely lets the characters' motivations become fully relatable.
The tone remains consistently sharp, avoiding melodrama even in tense moments. Scenes are often composed with a deliberate slowness that emphasizes the emotional distance between characters. This pacing choice can feel more like a stylistic decision than an organic expression of their psychological state.
Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy perform with precision, but their roles rarely allow for raw vulnerability. Their dialogue is often clipped and calculated, reinforcing the emotional restraint of the film's world. Paul Sparks and Francie Swift add depth to the supporting cast without overshadowing the leads.
The film’s detachment occasionally makes its moral questions feel academic rather than urgent. Despite this, it remains a well-crafted exploration of manipulation and control. Its reservation lies in its reluctance to fully embrace the emotional complexity of its characters.
2017 · English. Film details · Poster source · Artwork © its respective rights holders.
7/10
My verdictThe film balances dark humor and tension but leans too much into its own stylized detachment, limiting emotional connection.
— Desly