What are the best movies to watch featuring Anya Taylor-Joy?
Anya Taylor-Joy was born on April 16, 1996, in Miami, Florida, to a Scottish father and a Spanish mother, which contributes to her unique appearance and accent flexibility in her roles.
She left school at the age of 16 to pursue acting, demonstrating a significant commitment to her career at a young age, which is quite rare in the industry.
Taylor-Joy's breakout role was in the 2015 horror film "The Witch," directed by Robert Eggers, which received critical acclaim and showcased her ability to convey deep emotion and fear.
The film "The Witch" was shot in 35mm film, which is known for its ability to create a particular atmospheric quality, enhancing the horror elements of the story.
Her role in "Split" (2016), directed by M.
Night Shyamalan, involved acting opposite James McAvoy, who played a character with dissociative identity disorder, highlighting the psychological complexity of the narrative.
Taylor-Joy's performance in "The Queen's Gambit" (2020) earned her a Golden Globe Award, where she portrayed a chess prodigy, showcasing her capability to perform in intellectually demanding roles.
The character of Beth Harmon in "The Queen's Gambit" was based on a fictional character from a novel by Walter Tevis, which explores the themes of addiction and genius in the competitive world of chess.
Anya Taylor-Joy has stated that she learned how to play chess specifically for her role in "The Queen's Gambit," which required her to perform complex chess strategies on screen.
The miniseries was produced by Netflix and became one of the platform's most-watched scripted limited series, reflecting the growing popularity of chess in popular culture.
Taylor-Joy has expressed an affinity for horror films and has been referred to as a "scream queen," a term used to describe actresses known for their performances in horror movies.
In addition to her work in horror and drama, she has also taken on roles in period pieces, like "Emma" (2020), where she portrayed the title character in a story that examines social class and romantic entanglements.
"Thoroughbreds" (2017), which features Taylor-Joy alongside Olivia Cooke, is a black comedy that critiques privilege and moral ambiguity, showcasing her range as an actress.
Taylor-Joy speaks English and Spanish fluently, and she has also studied French, which expands her potential for diverse roles in international cinema.
In "Peaky Blinders," she played a key role as Gina Gray, contributing to the show's narrative around post-World War I British society and organized crime.
The film "Amsterdam" (2022), which includes Taylor-Joy in its ensemble cast, explores themes of friendship and conspiracy in the backdrop of a historical event, demonstrating her versatility in different genres.
Anya Taylor-Joy has been noted for her distinctive fashion sense, often appearing on red carpets in outfits that echo her characters' unique styles, which has made her a subject of interest in fashion media.
Her role in "The Gorge," a sci-fi thriller, marks her continued collaboration with innovative directors, highlighting the trend of genre-blending in contemporary cinema.
Taylor-Joy has often mentioned her love for classic horror films, which influences her acting choices and reflects her interest in the psychological aspects of fear and suspense.
The psychological mechanisms involved in horror films, such as suspense and the fear of the unknown, play a crucial role in her filmography, contributing to the emotional depth of her performances.