THOROUGHBREDS American Independents

Amanda and Lily haven’t been friends since an incident that occurred during childhood, but are forced back into each other’s lives when Lily needs tutoring to prepare for college entrance tests. As their friendship rekindles, Lily’s harsh stepdad Mark threatens to send her away. When the pair hatch a plan to be done with him for good, their former issues bubble to the surface, throwing a wrench into their entire operation. The film features fantastic lead performances by Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy, who perfectly embody the ennui of being teenage girls. A darkly comic thriller à la HEAVENLY CREATURES (1994) and HEATHERS (1988), THOROUGHBREDS looks at the complicated dynamic of female friendships — with a healthy dose of murder-plotting for good measure. – Jenn Murphy