75
Metascore
37 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91The A.V. ClubA.A. DowdThe A.V. ClubA.A. DowdThoroughbreds...has been made with diabolical craft and intelligence, the kind that marks Finley as a major new American talent. But it’s no empty exercise, no mere calling card. The style all comes in service of the central relationship and the superb performances that bring it to bewitching life.
- 91The PlaylistOliver LytteltonThe PlaylistOliver LytteltonIt’s the pair’s bond that helps to make the film more interesting than just a study of wealthy murderousness (though it’s great at that too). It’s also a portrait of female friendship that, despite the dark places it goes to, proves to be oddly touching.
- 90ScreenCrushE. Oliver WhitneyScreenCrushE. Oliver WhitneyUltimately it’s Finley’s sleek and stylish visual language that makes Thoroughbred a must-see, and one of the best surprises out of Sundance. He composes his shots with such precision, control, and confidence.
- 83IndieWireDavid EhrlichIndieWireDavid EhrlichThoroughbred is a dark and pointed piece of work that depends on the delicacy with which someone can thread the needle between Hitchcockian suspense and capitalistic venom, and Finley — adapting his own play to the screen — demonstrates a cinematic authority that eludes many filmmakers who have worked in the medium for decades.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterBoyd van HoeijThe Hollywood ReporterBoyd van HoeijThankfully, Finley isn’t only adept at writing and directing good dialogue but he also understands how images and sounds can enhance his story.
- 80Screen DailyFionnuala HalliganScreen DailyFionnuala HalliganSome zinging dialogue and pungent photography are complemented by the two young leads and the late Anton Yelchin in support.
- 63Slant MagazineKeith WatsonSlant MagazineKeith WatsonCory Finley's screenplay is full of sharp, exactingly timed exchanges whose rat-a-tat rhythms exert a spellbinding pull, even if the dialogue at times comes off as artificial and mannered.
- 58The Film StageDaniel SchindelThe Film StageDaniel SchindelTaylor-Joy and Cooke have a weird, comedic dynamic that could have put them in the canon of cinematic duos if the movie had been braver in pushing their relationship to darker territory. Ultimately, Thoroughbreds is a lot of potential with an anticlimactic payoff.