IF YOU’VE already finished watching “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix, then you’ve probably become the newest member of the Anya Taylor-Joy fans club.
Although she’s only been active in showbiz since 2014, the American-Argentine-British actress has already amassed quite an impressive body of work, in film especially. At 24, she’s become one of the most sought-after actors of her generation and has a bright and promising future ahead of her.
Since her next couple of projects don’t come out until next year, check out some of the notable films of her career so far:
“Emma” (2020)
Based on the 1815 novel by Jane Austen, the film stars Taylor-Joy in the titular role, a wealthy and scheming young lady who constantly meddles in the love affairs of the people around her, sometimes selfishly and without regard for the consequences. Aside from screenplay and writing, the period comedy-drama was commended for its visuals, including costume and cinematography.
“The Witch” (2015)
Set in 1630s New England, Taylor-Joy plays Thomasin, the eldest of a Puritan family who is banished and has settled in a farm near a forest. Days after her mother gives birth to a fifth child named Samuel, he disappears, with the family believing he was taken by a witch. A series of mysterious events follows and shakes the family. The film and Taylor-Joy garnered several accolades.
“Split” (2016)
Teenager Cassie (played by Taylor-Joy), along with her classmates, is held captive by a man with 24 different personalities (played by James McAvoy). The psychological-horror flick is a standalone sequel to “Unbreakable” in 2000. The actress reprises her role in “Glass” (2019), the final installment of the “Unbreakable” trilogy.
“Thoroughbreds” (2017)
Taylor-Joy stars alongside Olivia Cooke as Lily and Amanda, two estranged childhood friends who are reunited when the latter’s parents set their daughter up for after-school tutoring. The two eventually rekindle their friendship and soon, plot the murder of Lily’s condescending stepfather. The dark comedy-thriller is equal parts entertaining and bittersweet.
“The New Mutants”
The repeatedly delayed “X-Men” spinoff finally saw the light of day last August, albeit to mixed reviews. Despite its failure to dazzle, critics and audiences alike praised the cast’s performance, Taylor-Joy especially, who played Illyana Rasputin a.k.a. Magik, a young Russian mutant who can teleport through portals, as well as conjure a weapon called the Soulsword, which she uses in the film.