With a starring role in Robert Eggers' Amsterdam, Anya Taylor-Joy is one of this generation's biggest stars.
At just 26 years of age, she has made a name for herself as a magnetic screen presence, elevating any film she is in. From her movie debut in 2015's The Witch, to her most recent appearance in The Northman, she has been dazzling audiences with her acting prowess; with a career still in its infancy, audiences can be sure to see many more fantastic performances from her.
Here Are The Young Men (2020) - 49%
From Irish director Eoin Macken, Here Are The Young Men tracks the downward spiral of two Dublin lads, who leave school and depend on hard drinking and harder drugs, before committing transgressive acts.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, Here Are The Young Men is still a worthwhile watch for fans of Anya Taylor-Joy. Her screen presence is as magnetic as ever, and she is surrounded by an equally-talented ensemble cast. Her character is confident and independent, a strong female character with a wit of her own. While critical reception was mixed, audience is a lot more positive.
Radioactive (2019) - 56%
Based on the tragic but inspiring true story of Marie Curie, Radioactive follows Marie, played by Rosamund Pike, and her Nobel Prize-winning works that changed the world of science.
Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Irene Curie, one of Marie's two daughters, and holds her own alongside Pike. Their relationship is strong, endearing, and bound to appeal to family audiences. For fans of strong female characters, Radioactive is a must-watch. It's bound to keep audiences both entertained and informed, just as any good biopic movie should.
Split (2016) - 62%
From classic director M. Night Shyamalan, Split follows three young girls who are kidnapped by a man with 23 personalities, played by James McAvoy. They must escape before a murderous 24th personality comes to the surface.
Shyamalan is notorious for being hit-or-miss, with his twist endings and meme-worthy writing, but Split is widely regarded as a return to form for the director. Anya Taylor-Joy puts on a great performance and audiences will be rooting for her escape while sitting on the edge of their seats. Split is a perfect movie to watch with friends with the sound up and the lights low.
Marrowbone (2017) - 63%
Starring George Mackay, Marrowbone is a psychological-horror set in an old manor house. It follows a young man and his three siblings who, after the death of their mother, begin experiencing sinister happenings in the manor.
Anya Taylor-Joy stars amongst a stellar cast in this visually striking horror. The camerawork lends itself to a constant sense of tension, and the performers are all convincing when it comes to portraying terror. Marrowbone is a great haunted house movie, one that stands head and shoulders above many of its contemporaries.
Last Night In Soho (2021) - 65%
From British auteur Edgar Wright, Last Night In Soho follows Eloise, a budding fashionista obsessed with the 1960s, who goes to London to pursue her dream. Once there, however, she has a series of bizarre dreams that lead her down a dark path.
A twisted love letter to a time long gone by, Last Night In Soho is the story of an aspiring artist who gets a vicious dose of reality. Wright's film may be the lighter (and more comprehensible) of the two, but it's still chock full of scary moments, and a vehicle for Taylor-Joy, who is unforgettable as Sandie.
Emma (2020) - 71%
A sumptuous period piece based on the classic Jane Austen novel, Emma follows its titular character, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. She's a well-intentioned but selfish woman, one who meddles in the love lives of her friends.
Taylor-Joy stars as the titular character, and her presence fits perfectly in the world of an Austen novel. Alongside Taylor-Joy is a terrific ing cast, such as Mia Goth and Bill Nighy. In one scene, Anya even manages to get a nosebleed on cue. Surely, any doubts about her abilities as an actress should be cast aside.
Barry (2016) - 72%
Not to be confused with the Bill Hader series of the same name, Barry is a Netflix Original biopic, that tracks the life of a young Barack Obama. As one of the few black students at Columbia University, he seeks his place in the world.
Taylor-Joy appears as Charlotte, a young woman close to Barack Obama, and is, as always, terrific. She plays the ive partner so well, and audiences are sure to connect with her character. The movie has a powerful story to tell of America's first black president, and the history many will not know. Barry is a perfect watch for fans of a good biopic.
Thoroughbreds (2017) - 75%
A black comedy from writer-director Cory Finley, Thoroughbreds follows two upper-class teenage girls (Lily and Amanda, played by Anya Taylor-Joy and Olivia Cooke respectively) who rekindle their unconventional friendship, plotting to kill Lily's stepfather.
Taylor-Joy is marvelous as Lily, and her chemistry with her co-star makes for guaranteed hilarity. Her delivery matches perfectly with the dry, lifeless delivery of Cooke. The film also stars the late Anton Yelchin, who gives a memorable performance. Full to the brim with gallows humor, Thoroughbreds may not be for everyone, but audiences aren't likely to forget it.
The Northman (2022) - 82%
Her most recent collaboration with auteur Robert Eggers, The Northman is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet with Vikings. The movie follows Amleth, who sets out to avenge his father after Amleth witnessed his murder at the hands of his uncle.
Taylor-Joy stars as Olga of the Birch Forest, a sorceress, and her performance is just unbelievable. Her quiet intensity can switch on a dime, turning into unflinching madness that will convince fans that she really is a sorceress. The Northman is Eggers' most accessible film, though fans of his work need not despair. There's enough arthouse weirdness to latch onto.
The Witch (2015) - 83%
Anya Taylor-Joy's movie debut, The Witch is the movie that started it all. It follows a deeply religious family who, thanks to their father's stubborn nature, are banished from their village. Once settled in their new home, however, a series of unearthly happenings occur.
Anya Taylor-Joy appears as teenage daughter Thomasin, and her performance is unforgettable. She goes through so much in this movie. At points, audiences will greatly sympathize with her character, though, by the movie's haunting ending, they may reconsider. The Witch is an utterly terrifying movie and an essential watch for modern audiences.
