I chose to rent "Thoroughbreds" from Netflix DVD because it was Anton Yelchin's last movie before his death at the age of 27. I didn't know what to expect, but the first few minutes had a distinct "Heathers" feel to it with the distinct, ennui-laced dialogue between two privileged girls. It's the kind of conversation that makes me want to yell, "GET A JOB, THEN YOU'LL HAVE REAL PROBLEMS!"
The story focuses on two rich schoolmates, Olivia Cooke as Amanda, who is angry for no apparent reason other than thinking she has a much better grasp on real life than everyone else. Anya Taylor-Joy is Lily, a perky, studious girl with a hatred for her stepfather, Mark (Paul Sparks). One of the most humourous conversations was one of the first between Amanda and Lily when they were starting to be honest with each other:
Lily : Have you been showering?
Amanda : Recently, only every couple of days. Nobody said anything so I assumed I was getting away with it.
Lily : Well, you're not.
Amanda : Not sorry I tried.
After that, it kind of spiraled into what I assume are writer/director Cory Finley's observation's on life. Finley is a member of Youngblood, a group of young writers. The cinematography was a nice combination of shadows and blocking, positioning each actor's head and body in just the right spot. Lyle Vincent was the brains behind all of that, using natural light for most of the shots. I'll be looking for other films that feature Vincent's work...he does have a knack for framing.
The stepfather turns out to be Bad to Lily and her mother, so the girls want to kill him of course. Like other movies of this ilk, the girls hatch an unlikely plan to do this which, in Chapter Three, involves Yelchin. He has a very small part as Tim, a drug dealer who is a potential hit man that Amanda and Lily try to hire to kill Mark.
There's an interesting twist as various plans go awry, and the end of the film far makes up for the triteness of the beginning. It is bittersweet, but plays out in a very disconcerting way that will have you questioning what Amanda and Lily's lives will be, and questioning your own morals. The movie poster touts it as "wickedly funny" (not so much) and "unpredictable" (most definitely). More dark than comedy, it's worth the watch.
If you're looking for a Netflix DVD with more Anton Yelchin, try "Odd Thomas" or "Charlie Bartlett."
#dvd20 #dvdnation #ad
The story focuses on two rich schoolmates, Olivia Cooke as Amanda, who is angry for no apparent reason other than thinking she has a much better grasp on real life than everyone else. Anya Taylor-Joy is Lily, a perky, studious girl with a hatred for her stepfather, Mark (Paul Sparks). One of the most humourous conversations was one of the first between Amanda and Lily when they were starting to be honest with each other:
Lily : Have you been showering?
Amanda : Recently, only every couple of days. Nobody said anything so I assumed I was getting away with it.
Lily : Well, you're not.
Amanda : Not sorry I tried.
After that, it kind of spiraled into what I assume are writer/director Cory Finley's observation's on life. Finley is a member of Youngblood, a group of young writers. The cinematography was a nice combination of shadows and blocking, positioning each actor's head and body in just the right spot. Lyle Vincent was the brains behind all of that, using natural light for most of the shots. I'll be looking for other films that feature Vincent's work...he does have a knack for framing.
The stepfather turns out to be Bad to Lily and her mother, so the girls want to kill him of course. Like other movies of this ilk, the girls hatch an unlikely plan to do this which, in Chapter Three, involves Yelchin. He has a very small part as Tim, a drug dealer who is a potential hit man that Amanda and Lily try to hire to kill Mark.
There's an interesting twist as various plans go awry, and the end of the film far makes up for the triteness of the beginning. It is bittersweet, but plays out in a very disconcerting way that will have you questioning what Amanda and Lily's lives will be, and questioning your own morals. The movie poster touts it as "wickedly funny" (not so much) and "unpredictable" (most definitely). More dark than comedy, it's worth the watch.
If you're looking for a Netflix DVD with more Anton Yelchin, try "Odd Thomas" or "Charlie Bartlett."
#dvd20 #dvdnation #ad
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