Whether it's suspense, history, or animation, Taylor-Joy has a surprisingly big number of movies under her belt that kinda flew under the radar.
1. "Thoroughbreds" (2017) Two former friends, Lily and Amanda, reconnect in suburban Connecticut, where they soon hatch a dark plot.
Amanda, emotionally numb, feels nothing and has a shady past. Lily, on the other hand, is fed up with her controlling stepfather. What's their shared solution? Plotting his murder, of course. Both navigate the intricacies of their troubled lives, leading to an intense psychological exploration of teenage angst and rebellion.
So, teens plotting a crime? Yep, it's that juicy.
2. "Marrowbone" (2017) This story isn't just another haunted house tale. Four siblings hide from the world after their mother's death, fearing they'll be separated. But then, strange happenings start within their old home. Is it the haunting past of their fugitive mother? Or something else lurking in the shadows?
It's a gripping tale of family bonds, secrets, and confronting the past. Don't let this one stay buried in your watchlist!
3. "Morgan" (2016) Science can be a tricky thing. Morgan is a bioengineered child with a rapid growth rate and some... unique abilities. When she violently attacks one of her handlers, a risk-management consultant is called in to assess the situation. The twist? This isn't just about assessing the risks of keeping Morgan alive; it's about understanding what it means to be human.
It's more than just lab coats and genetics; it's an action-packed exploration of humanity and artificial life.
4. "The Witch" (2015) New England, 1630. The woods aren't just trees and birds, but possibly something sinister.
A puritan family gets banished from their community, setting up near these woods. Soon, weird things start happening: crops fail, animals act up, and one child goes missing while another seems possessed. Through Taylor-Joy's captivating performance, we see a family torn apart by paranoia, isolation, and fear.
Forget pointy hats; this portrayal of witches is darker and way more unsettling.
5. "Radioactive" (2019) While Taylor-Joy doesn't play the lead in this biographical drama, her role shouldn't be overlooked. This film dives into the life of Marie Curie and her groundbreaking work in physics and chemistry. Taylor-Joy steps in as Irene, Curie's daughter, portraying the complexities of having an iconic figure as a mother.
6. "The Miniaturist" (2017) Set in Amsterdam during the Golden Age, this period drama isn't your typical history lesson. Taylor-Joy plays Nella, a young woman who marries a rich merchant. But, when she moves into his grand mansion, things get eerie. She receives miniature pieces for her dollhouse from an anonymous benefactor, which eerily mirror real-life events.
There are mysteries, betrayals, and a good dose of family drama wrapped in historical charm.
7. "Split" (2016) Taylor-Joy stands out in this thriller where she's kidnapped by a man with multiple personalities. With 23 distinct personalities, ranging from a 9-year-old boy to a sophisticated woman, their captor is unpredictable. But things get more sinister when talks of a 24th personality, known as "The Beast," begin. Can she outsmart her captor and escape before this new personality emerges?
Taylor-Joy's survival instincts in this M. Night Shyamalan's twisted tale are worth every second.
8. "Playmobil: The Movie" (2019) Shifting gears, this animated adventure is a pleasant surprise. When her younger brother disappears into the animated world of Playmobil, Taylor-Joy's character Marla embarks on a quest to bring him home. Facing challenges from Viking battles to secret spy missions, it's a playful jaunt through varied landscapes.
It's colorful, it's fun, and it gives that much-needed break from the intense roles we often see Taylor-Joy play.
9. "Here Are the Young Men" (2020) Dublin, 2003. A group of freshly graduated teens set out to celebrate their newfound freedom. But things take a dark turn when they witness a tragic accident. This incident forces them to confront their own morality and choices.
Taylor-Joy plays Jen, an essential character who navigates the complex dynamics of youth, peer pressure, and the haunting consequences of their actions.
