Thoroughbreds Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Thoroughbreds" is defined by its 2.39:1 AVC encoded image, which, though not razor-sharp, translates the film's digital photography well. Shot with anamorphic lenses, the image exhibits a certain softness accompanied by smudgy edges that do not distract but rather add an intimacy suitable for character-driven storytelling. Close-up shots are particularly detailed, capturing facial features and expressions with impressive clarity. The film’s color palette is intentionally muted, dominated by earthy tones and hazy pastels. While there are occasional bursts of color in specific scenes, the overall appearance remains subdued, contributing to the movie’s grim and earthy ambiance.

Blacks in the film display solid shadow detail and considerable depth. However, they sometimes take on a milky texture due to the muted color scheme. The visual representation of the mansion and other settings comes through with enough structural integrity to be pleasing, albeit lacking in absolute crispness. Skin tones tend to be slightly pale, and black levels appear washed out, but noise and encoding flaws are minimal. The visual structure of "Thoroughbreds" is well-aligned with its narrative aims, making the image presentation effective even without exceeding in sharpness or vibrant color richness. Although it lacks filmic texturing, the steady, sturdy digital capture is suitable for conveying the film's tone, pace, and story elements effectively.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Thoroughbreds" achieves an effective, if understated, presentation that aligns with the film’s dark and foreboding atmosphere. The audio mix prioritizes front-end emphasis, delivering crisp, well-defined dialogue that remains clear even during near-whispered moments. The soundtrack adeptly uses tribal drum beats to punctuate silence, creating a hypnotic rhythm that amplifies tension. These intermittent percussions and the sound of Mark’s rowing machine add weight through mild yet punchy LFE, enhancing the film's tonal gravity and scoring.

The precision of the audio track becomes evident in its intelligent use of sound to support the narrative. Detailed one-off effects, such as the piercing tone when Lily imagines Amanda's killing of her horse, effectively heighten dramatic scenes. Despite the limited surround activation, the film strategically employs sound to accentuate plot developments, most notably during the intensified moment around the 35-minute mark with Mark's rowing exercises. Though ambient effects are sparse, their occasional presence, such as during the introduction of Tim, provides welcome auditory variety. Overall, the track’s precision and subtlety are harmoniously aligned with the cinematic needs of "Thoroughbreds," making it a solid and accurate accompaniment to the film's thematic elements.

Thoroughbreds' Blu-ray extras deliver a compact yet informative set of features. The Deleted Scenes section comprises two brief but insightful scenes, "You Don't Know Her Name?" and "Condolences." The featurette The Look of Thoroughbreds delves into the film’s journey from stage to screen, highlights the mansion's integral role, examines the meticulous noir aesthetics, and discusses Cory Finley's directorial choices. Character Profiles offer concise overviews of the film’s main characters—Lily, Amanda, Tim, and Mark—providing a quick yet comprehensive look at their narrative arcs and development. This collection is complemented by the inclusion of a Movies Anywhere digital copy code.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Look of Thoroughbreds: Explores the film's transition from stage to screen, set design, noir influences, and direction.
• Character Profiles: Summarizes the film's four main characters.
• Deleted Scenes: Features "You Don't Know Her Name?" and "Condolences".

"Thoroughbreds," directed by Cory Finley, is a hypnotic and dark exploration of two disparate teenage girls, Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Amanda (Olivia Cooke), who devise a plan to murder Lily's stepfather, Mark (Paul Sparks). The storyline, simple in execution, delves deep into the intricacies of their disturbing friendship and psychological transformation. Lily, living a life of luxury but haunted by inner turmoil and contempt for her manipulative stepfather, contrasts starkly with Amanda, a clinically detached psychopath devoid of remorse or empathy. As their twisted bond forms against the backdrop of Lily's fabricated life, the film meticulously builds up to its final act with a blend of eerie scoring and meticulous pacing that elicits prolonged unease.

Originally intended for the stage, Finley's debut film balances methodical direction with profound character study. The narrative's strength lies in its ability to investigate deeper psychological themes without becoming convoluted. The film accomplishes this by maintaining a tight focus on the three main characters—Lily, Amanda, and Mark—leaving little room for extraneous subplots or additional characters that might distract from the primary arc. This approach allows for an intimate yet chilling revelation as the characters' internal battles unfold, culminating in a compelling psychological and moral unravelling.

The visual and auditory elements contribute significantly to the film's atmosphere. The discordant music choices, juxtaposing 1950s melodies with thriller undertones, enhance the sense of otherworldly disconnection and foreground the characters' emotional decay. Cinematographically, each shot is deliberate, capturing the actors' nuanced performances and evoking both the claustrophobia of their mental states and the expansiveness of their moral ambiguity. Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy deliver standout performances that anchor the film’s unsettling tone. Although Anton Yelchin's role is minor, his portrayal adds depth to the narrative's focus on despair and ambition. Overall, "Thoroughbreds" is a meticulously crafted psychological thriller that captivates through its character-driven story, evocative cinematography, and haunting score.

"Thoroughbreds" on Blu-ray stands as a captivating cinematic experience, diverging from mainstream blockbuster conventions to deliver an incisive exploration of dark character dynamics. Directed and written by Cory Finley, this film excels in constructing an intense narrative around the peculiar relationship between two young women, portrayed with compelling precision by Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy. The movie’s strength lies in its astute screenplay, meticulous editing, and a photographic style that complements the unsettling atmosphere. Additionally, Anton Yelchin's performance adds a layer of gravitas, enriching the overall composition.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release maintains high standards with its 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The visual fidelity is sharp, capturing the intricate details and nuances that underscore the film’s brooding tone. The audio mix is well-balanced, enhancing the moody undertones with crisp clarity. However, the supplementary content falls short, limited to only a couple of deleted scenes and two featurettes, leaving some viewers desiring more. If these extras had been more substantial, the release could have reached its full potential.

In conclusion, "Thoroughbreds" may challenge conventional categorizations as it straddles the lines of thriller, horror, and dark drama, yet it remains a riveting character study at its core. The film methodically peels back the layers of its protagonists' psyches, offering a clinical view into their disturbing motivations without succumbing to over-explanation. Despite a somewhat sparse array of bonus content, Universal’s Blu-ray presentation delivers solid video and audio quality that make it a worthy addition to any collection. This film is not for everyone, but those intrigued by dark narratives and complex characters will find it mesmerizing. Recommended as a fascinating watch.