Diving Into the Filmography of Anya Taylor-Joy
*BEWARE: Spoilers Lie Ahead*
Split
Released in 2016, the US psychological horror-thriller Split was the first film starring Anya Taylor-Joy that I had watched. In this film, Taylor-Joy takes on the role of Casey Cooke - one of three teenage girls abducted and held captive by a man suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder, (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder). What makes her character particularly stand out is Casey’s maturity, and ability to quickly adapt to any situation she finds herself in. In one interview, the actress herself describes Casey as, “a very patient person” who, “sees things as they are and not how she wants them to be.” In the flashback scenes, we soon discover that from a young age, Casey was a victim of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of her uncle. With the death of her father, Casey was placed under the custody of her uncle, until she was kidnapped. It is evident that her character has undergone serious emotional stress, leading her to develop depression and antisocial behavior. However, this past trauma has also shaped and prepared Casey for the unexpected events which occur throughout the film, as she uses both her wits and experiences to her advantage. Moreover, we see Casey confront her trauma head-on, when she informs the police of the sexual abuse her uncle has inflicted on her, resulting in him being arrested and locked up for good. Through these experiences, Casey shows a great will of strength and strategy, making this performance one of the top five on this list.
Thoroughbreds
Unlike her previous role as the admirable Casey Cooke in Split, the actress takes a stark turn by playing the main villainess, Lily Reynolds, in the 2018 film, Thoroughbreds. At the outset of the film, we discover that Lily was the childhood best friend of the protagonist, Amanda, before they eventually drifted apart after the death of Lily’s father. It isn’t until several years later that the two rekindle their friendship, though in an unconventional manner. Lily becomes Amanda's tutor’, having been secretly paid by Amanda’s mother in an attempt to encourage her daughter, (who is both emotionless and a recluse), to socialize and make friends. If this sneaky and superficial behavior was not already enough evidence to determine Lily’s corrupt character, she later drags Amanda in on her plan to kill her supposedly evil step-father, Mark. After the first failed murder attempt, Amanda tries to talk Lily out of trying again, however, she has other plans. When the two are hanging out and watching a movie one night, Lily reveals that she spiked Amanda’s drink, with the intention of killing Mark and framing Amanda for her step-father’s murder. In the end, Lily is able to get away with her crimes because Amanda agrees to take the fall. While Lily gracefully moves on from this situation, Amanda is arrested and institutionalized in a hospital, showing just how evil Lily really is; she was willing to sacrifice her friend in exchange for an easier, more successful life than she already had to begin with.
Emma
Based on the 1816 Jane Austen classic novel, Anya plays the role of 21-year-old Emma Woodhouse, in this British period comedy-drama that was released earlier this year. From the start, it is evident through Emma’s extravagant wardrobe and luxurious home that she is extremely wealthy. In fact, she is one of two daughters of the well-off Woodhouse family living in the English countryside near the village of Highbury. Though it might seem as if she is whole-heartedly content with her independent lifestyle, Emma slowly learns to find true value in having platonic and even romantic relationships. At first, the heiress often behaves in a pretentious and selfish manner, especially around those belonging to a lower class than her. When she first makes friends with Harriet Smith, Emma discourages her from pursuing a relationship with her initial romantic interest Robert Martin, (a lowly farmer). In another case, Emma unthinkingly insults one of her old friends, Miss Bates, who is known to be a compulsive talker, yet unrequitedly kind to those around her. However, things turn around for Emma after she sincerely apologizes to these two friends of hers and reveals her true romantic feelings towards Mr. Knightly. From this point on, Emma grows as a person, showing much more care and empathy for those around her.
The Witch
In 2015, Anya received her first major breakout role playing Thomasin in The Witch. Set in 1630s New England, this film centers around Thomasin’s family of six, following their banishment from Puritan Plymouth Colony. Now residing on the outskirts of civilization near a large, secluded forest, the family faces a plethora of challenges, starting with the disappearance of their newly born baby, Samuel. From here, the tensions and struggles only continue to rise; from agricultural failure due to trying weather conditions, to the sudden death of the second oldest child, Caleb. On top of all of these tragedies, which are taking a toll on the family’s well being, the eldest daughter Thomasin is confronted and ultimately accused of witchcraft. Despite her loving and motherly nature, as she essentially acts as the caregiver to her younger siblings whilst her parents do the handiwork around the home and farm, her family still does not trust her. At one point, Thomasin’s parents even threaten to put their daughter on trial for witchcraft when the family returns to town. However, the film takes an even more dramatic turn as each of her family members are killed off one by one, seemingly all at the hands of Black Phillip - the family’s goat that is actually Satan (seriously). Once the chaos has subdued, Black Phillip offers Thomasin the chance to “live deliciously”. In the end, Thomasin fulfills her family’s initial accusations, signing her life away and joining a coven of witches participating in a Witches’ Sabbath.
The Queen’s Gambit
And finally, my favorite of all of Anya’s roles is Beth Harmon in the 2020 Netflix original The Queen’s Gambit. This limited series follows Beth as she rises to prominence and acclaim in the chess world during the early 1950s. The story begins in the Methuen Home, the all-girls orphanage where young Beth is brought following the death of her mother. It is here that 8-year-old Beth is exposed to her newfound love of both chess and drugs. Upon being adopted by Alma and Allston Wheatley at the age of fifteen, Beth continues her resilient quest, winning tournament after tournament, breaking the gender barriers of this male-dominated sport. Throughout her blossoming chess career, whilst Beth gracefully conquers each of her opponents across the board, she also faces challenges of her own, particularly her drug and alcohol addiction, in addition to displaying weaknesses like stubbornness, arrogance, and being emotionally closed-off. Despite many of the internal battles Beth constantly endures, she learns to cherish the people around her - as depicted through her friendships with Jolene, Harry Beltik, D.L. Townes, and Benny Watt - and slowly but surely overcomes her dependence on pills and bottles to win her chess games. In the finale, Beth is crowned the winner of the prestigious Moscow Invitational, where she played against International Masters and Grandmasters alike, securing her spot as one of the greatest chess players in the world.
Films to Keep a Lookout For…
Last Night in Soho
While there is not yet much information about this upcoming film, IMDB has released a synopsis that sounds particularly enticing. “A young girl, who is passionate about fashion design, mysteriously enters the 1960s, where she encounters her idol, a dazzling wannabe singer. But 1960s London is not what it seems, and time seems to fall apart with shady consequences.” Having thoroughly enjoyed other films by director Edgar Wright - such as Baby Driver and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World - I look forward to seeing Anya perform in one of his visually intense, signature style films. Though Last Night in Soho was meant to be released September 25, 2020, it was ultimately delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, audiences will finally have the chance to catch this psychological thriller film on April 23, 2021.
Here Are the Young Men
Here Are the Young Men is an Irish-American drama set in 2003 that follows three Dublin high school graduates as they navigate a world with endless possibilities presented by drugs, drinking, and partying. However, after witnessing a deadly accident, they begin to reevaluate their reckless lifestyles and confront the internal demons which they have been pushing away for some time. In this film, Anya stars as Jen, a friend and eventual romantic interest of the trio. Here Are the Young Men had its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh on July 11, 2020, but is yet to have a specific release date. However, be sure to keep a lookout for the official release this upcoming 2021.