A sharp and unsettling dark comedy has quietly made its way to Amazon’s streaming service. Anya Taylor-Joy and Olivia Cooke star in Thoroughbreds, a 2017 psychological thriller that officially became available to stream on Prime Video starting June 1, 2026.
The movie marks the writing and directing debut of Cory Finley, who adapted his own play for the screen. It follows two wealthy Connecticut teenagers who reconnect after years apart and slowly hatch a plan to murder one of their stepfathers. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2017 and received a limited theatrical release in March 2018.
A Quiet Hit With a Killer Script
Thoroughbreds never became a mainstream box office success. The movie earned around $3.2 million worldwide against a production budget of $5 million. But over time, it built a loyal following among fans of smart, slow-burn thrillers. Critics praised its tight screenplay and the cold, controlled performances from its two leads.
The story centers on Lily (Taylor-Joy) , a polished and academically successful student who secretly despises her overbearing stepfather Mark (Paul Sparks) . She reconnects with her childhood friend Amanda (Cooke) , a social outcast who claims she cannot feel genuine emotions. Amanda calmly suggests murder as a solution to Lily’s problem. What follows is an uncomfortable and tense exploration of privilege, morality, and teenage boredom.
Anton Yelchin’s Final Film Role
The movie carries added weight as the final American film role of Anton Yelchin. The actor, known for his work in the Star Trek reboot series and Green Room, plays Tim, a small-time drug dealer and convicted statutory rapist whom the girls blackmail into carrying out their plan.
Yelchin died in a tragic accident in June 2016 at age 27. Thoroughbreds was filmed in mid-2016, making his performance one of his last captured on camera. Critics noted that Yelchin brings unexpected energy and emotion to what could have been a forgettable character. One review called his role “a heartbreaking reminder of his singular quality as a performer.”
What Critics and Fans Say About the Movie
The film holds a strong reputation among critics. On review aggregator sites, it maintains a score in the high 80s. Reviewers highlighted Finley’s confident direction and the unsettling chemistry between Taylor-Joy and Cooke.
Olivia Cooke conveys Amanda’s supposed lack of emotion with just enough ambiguity that we wonder, and Taylor-Joy gives the initially skittish Lily a creepy edge. The film’s strongest scenes are when these two are together, playing off one another.
– James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Not all viewers loved the pacing. Some critics pointed out that the movie moves slowly despite its short 92-minute runtime. One user review on IMDb described it as “passable, but rather dull and forgettable.” Another said the characters felt “stilted and lackluster.”
But those who connect with the film praise its cold, stylish tone. One review described it as “a razor-sharp and oil slick first feature” about the dangers of unchecked privilege.
Why Thoroughbreds Works as a Thriller
The movie avoids typical thriller formulas. There are no jump scares or loud musical stings. Instead, Finley uses long takes, unusual camera angles, and a percussion-heavy score to build discomfort. One key murder scene happens off-screen. The audience only hears thumping sounds while the camera stays fixed on a drugged Amanda and a blood-covered Lily.
Finley also refuses to paint the characters as sympathetic. Lily is not a helpless victim. Amanda is not a misunderstood outcast. Both girls come from extreme wealth. Their problems—a rude stepfather, social boredom—do not justify murder. But the film never lectures the audience. It simply watches as two privileged teenagers decide someone else’s life does not matter.
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Where to Watch Thoroughbreds in Different Regions
As of June 2, 2026, the film is available for streaming on Prime Video in the United States. Viewers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India should check their local Prime Video libraries, as availability varies by region. The film is also available for digital rental or purchase on platforms like Apple TV and YouTube Movies in most countries.
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