Step into the mesmerizing world of Anya Taylor-Joy Movies And Tv Shows, an actress whose spellbinding performances have been captivating audiences worldwide. In this cinematic journey, explore 10 spectacular movies and TV shows featuring this rising starlet, shedding light on Taylor-Joy’s diverse acting repertoire. From psychological thrillers to poignant dramas, this listicle is your guiding star through the enchanting cosmos of her filmography. Brace yourself for a roller coaster of emotions, intricate character nuances, compelling stories, and transformative performances, painting the picture of Taylor-Joy’s breathtaking talent. So, everyone aboard! Prepare to discover the enchanting universe of Anya Taylor-Joy.
1) The Witch: A Chilling Folklore Tale Brought to Life
The Anya Taylor-Joy starrer “The Witch” takes viewers to a chilling world set in 17th-century New England. In this movie, the actress, who was still starting her acting career back then, puts on a riveting performance as Thomasin, a teenager who must grapple with her deeply religious family’s suspicious and fearful interpretation of events.
Shot with an eerie, moody aesthetic, “The Witch” is filled with archaic language and scenes depicting primitive fears which lend credibility to this haunting narrative of folklore. Here are some major highlights of Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance that helped shape the movie’s aura:
- The Conviction: As Thomasin, Anya displays a strong sense of conviction that permeates through every scene. Her conviction makes the menace feel real and frightening.
- The Transformation: Anya’s transformation from an innocent girl into a powerful entity is nothing short of mesmerizing.
- The Final Scene: The power of her acting is on full display in the final scene, a spine-chilling climax that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.
| Role | Performance Highlight | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Thomasin in The Witch | Conviction and Transformation | Nominated, Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actress |
“The Witch” was a breakout role for Anya, and she garnered critical acclaim for her chilling performance. The movie itself was a commercial success and won the Directing Award in the U.S. Dramatic category at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
2) Peaky Blinders: Power Plays in the Underworld of Post-WWI Birmingham
A show where sharp suits meet sharper razors, Peaky Blinders stood as the monumental stepping stone in Anya Taylor-Joy’s television career. Set in the dark underbelly of Birmingham in the wake of World War I, the drama unfolds the saga of the Shelby family’s climb to power. Anya shines in the role of Gina Gray, who adds another dimension to the dangerous game of power at play. Her performance effectively highlights the complex character arc Gina traverses as she adapts and attempts to assert her grounds in this ruthless setting.
Peaky Blinders is a show where every alliance has a motive and where your past can be your most formidable enemy. The plot keeps you hooked as it peels off masks revealing the true faces; while Anya’s screen presence adds a captivating flavor to the mix. Valued highly for her performance, Anya represents Gina as a woman of substance and mystery, playing pivotal roles in the political manipulations that shackled the characters. The powerful score coupled with Taylor-Joy’s enthralling act creates a powerful cinematic experience. Watch out for:
- “Strategy” (Season 5, Episode 4): The high-stakes schemes and heated confrontations in the episode beautifully showcase Anya’s skills as an actor.
- “Mr. Jones” (Season 5, Episode 5): Gina’s unwavering loyalty for Michael despite handling their dangerous foes leads to gripping scene-stealers.
3) Split: Twists and Turns in a Gripping Psychological Thriller
In the M. Night Shyamalan directed movie Split, Anya Taylor-Joy portrays Casey Cook, a withdrawn teenager who, along with two of her classmates, is abducted by a man suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This unpredictable psychological thriller is filled with tense and unexpected moments, with Taylor-Joy masterfully portraying the terror and panic of her situation, while also bringing an understated strength and intelligence to her character.
Her performance in Split showcases her versatility as an actress, brilliantly portraying a complex character that requires resilience in the face of danger and an understanding of psychological trauma. As the plot progresses, the audience learns more about Casey’s own traumatic past which not only gives dimension to her character but also adds another layer to the film’s intrigue.
- Iconic Moments: One standout scene has Casey trying to communicate with Kevin, the primary personality of their captor, brilliantly portrayed by James McAvoy. It’s an intense, quiet scene that shows Taylor-Joy’s range.
- Unique Aspects: Taylor-Joy’s approach to the survivor role defies typical horror movie tropes, adding an extra edge to an already gripping film.
- Awards and Recognition: Taylor-Joy’s performance in Split earned her nominations for the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Actress and the Empire Award for Best Female Newcomer.
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Split | Casey Cook | 2016 |
While not the lead, Taylor-Joy’s nuanced performance as Casey in Split undoubtedly contributes to the film’s overall success and appeal, leaving audiences eager for more of her in this suspenseful masterpiece.
4) Emma: A Delightful Regency Romp with a Modern Twist
If period dramas with a punch are your preference, then Emma featuring Anya Taylor-Joy is a must-watch. Directed by Autumn de Wilde, this film takes a feather-light, modern approach to the classic Regency-era comedy by Jane Austen. The magnetic performance of Taylor-Joy as the titular character further enhances this adaptation. Displaying a delightful mix of innocence and scheming, Anya Taylor-Joy’s depiction of Emma Woodhouse is nothing short of captivating.
The movie is in essence, a repertoire of Regency-era charm infused with a contemporary sense of wit and humor. Beyond the plot, the film stuns with its aesthetic value, including the lavish settings and over-the-top costumes, often credited as triggers for the recent Regency-era revival. Let’s talk about the noteworthy performances:
- Emma Woodhouse: Played by Anya Taylor-Joy, she is a beautiful, smart, and rich young woman with a penchant for matchmaking.
- Mr. Knightley: Played by Johnny Flynn, a close family friend of Emma, who is often at the receiving end of her mischief.
- Harriet Smith: Played by Mia Goth, a young girl of uncertain parentage, whom Emma takes under her wing.
The film offers a fresh spin to the tale, adding value to its modern viewers by celebrating Emma’s charm and wit, along with her flaws, which makes her all the more relatable and human. If you are looking for a cinematic treat offering an old tale served afresh in a gorgeous setting, Emma will be right up your alley.
5) Morgan: A Sci-Fi Thriller Debating the Ethics of Artificial Life
In the thought-provoking sci-fi thriller “Morgan“, Anya Taylor-Joy showcases her versatility as an actress. The movie centers on a risk-management specialist tasked with determining whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid. Taylor-Joy’s exceptional performance as the titular Morgan, the artificially created being whose life is in the balance, is nothing short of haunting. This film presents a deep dive into the ethical complexities of creating and ending artificial life and leaves its viewers with hard-hitting questions to ponder.
- Thrilling Execution: Anya Taylor-Joy captivates with her chilling yet sympathetic portrayal of Morgan. The movie successfully keeps the tension high, making every moment feel critical to the unfolding story.
- Humanity & AI Intersection: Giving an AI character humanity without diluting their artificial nature is a challenging balance to strike. Taylor-Joy does it remarkably well, providing a convincing image of a humanoid grappling with self-awareness and emotional development.
- The Ethical Debate: The movie gets you thinking about the moral implications and ethical questions surrounding the creation, termination, and rights of artificially created humanoids.
| Role | Morgan |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Thriller |
| Notable Aspect | Profound exploration of ethical dilemmas in artificial life |
This role stands as a testament to Anya’s versatile acting skills and makes “Morgan” a must-watch for all her fans and science fiction enthusiasts alike.
6) Thoroughbreds: Dark Comedy Meets Psychological Drama
In the riveting world of complex characters and twisted plotlines, Thoroughbreds stands a cut above the rest. Anya Taylor-Joy masterfully brings to life the character of Lily, a high-end teenager who is far from what she seems. She shares the screen with actress Olivia Cooke, and the pair commands attention with their electrifying performances. The movie artfully combines elements of dark comedy with a gripping psychological drama, resulting in a cinematic masterpiece that leaves viewers pondering long after the credits roll.
The film is littered with mind-boggling scenes that work as puzzle pieces, fitting together to create a picture of Lily’s internal struggle. Anya’s portrayal of Lily showcases the actress’s range and versatility, effortlessly moving from nonchalant to panic-stricken. Notably, Thoroughbreds excels in building an eery tension throughout, compelling audiences to stick around for the dramatic climax.
Interesting facts about Thoroughbreds:
- Directed by Cory Finley, this was his debut feature film.
- Thoroughbreds also features the late Anton Yelchin in one of his final performances.
- The script was originally designed for a play before evolving into a full-length film.
This table offers a brief look at how the film and Anya’s performance were received:
| Film | Critical Reception | Awards & Nominations for Anya Taylor-Joy |
| Thoroughbreds | 86% on Rotten Tomatoes | Nominated for Best Female Lead at the Gotham Awards |
7) Barry: A Biographical Drama Reliving the College Days of Barack Obama
Anya Taylor-Joy’s versatility is beautifully demonstrated in the series “Barry”, where she steps into the shoes of Charlotte Baughman, an intellectual and aspiring poet. Set in the 1980s, the biographical drama gives an intriguing glimpse into the college days of future US President Barack Obama. Directed by Vikram Gandhi, the Netflix distributed film portrays a young Barack Obama navigating the racial tensions in America, trying to find his own identity – with Taylor-Joy’s character being a significant part of his journey.
The film provides a rare and intimate image of a future president – but also stands as a testament to Taylor-Joy’s acting prowess. Her character, Charlotte, is thoughtful, empathetic and often leading profound conversations, bringing an extra layer of depth to the narrative. This role was another step forward for Taylor-Joy, adding to her repertoire of riveting performances. If you’re a fan of biographical dramas or interested in seeing a different facet of Taylor-Joy’s acting skills, do catch “Barry”.
| Title | Character | Genre |
| Barry | Charlotte Baughman | Biography, Drama |
8) Marrowbone: A Gothic Horror Wrapped in Mystery
Coming in as the break from her initial roles, Anya Taylor-Joy starred in Marrowbone, a deep and mysterious gothic horror. The movie showcases Anya in a different light, stepping away from the innocent, almost fairytale-like characters, allowing her to display a darker, more mature interpretation.
In Marrowbone, Anya beautifully portrays the character, ‘Allie’, a girl who befriends the Marrowbone siblings living in the titular haunted house. The movie is a blend of intense horror scenes combined with complicated family relationships. Despite its gothic horror setting, the main plot is thick with suspense and mystery, engaging the viewer from the get-go. Anya’s performance is unforgettable and stands as a testament to her versatility as an actor.
| Movie | Role | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Marrowbone | Allie | Gothic Horror |
- Director: Sergio G. Sánchez.
- Year of Release: 2017.
- Interesting Fact: ’Marrowbone’ was Taylor-Joy’s first venture into the genre of Gothic Horror, giving her a new platform to exhibit her acting prowess.
9) The Miniaturist: A Historical Drama Hidden in Dollhouses
The Miniaturist is a compelling historical drama featuring Anya Taylor-Joy in one of her most notable roles. The series is set in 17th century Amsterdam and follows the captivating story of Petronella, a young girl played by Anya, who enters a marriage to a wealthy merchant. This BBC three-part series is an adaptation from Jessie Burton’s bestselling novel of the same name and presents a narrative that is as engaging as it is suspenseful. Viewers can expect to find themselves deeply engaged in the mystery and intrigue surrounding the detailed dollhouse, which appears to eerily predict and reflect the events and secrets of the house occupants.
| Role: | Petronella (Nella) Oortman |
|---|---|
| Production | BBC One Series, Co-produced with Masterpiece |
| No of Episodes | Three part series |
Anya delivers a magnetic performance as Nella, portraying an innocence that swiftly evolves into determination and resilience in the face of increasingly shocking events. Her versatile acting can truly be appreciated in this drama, where the suspense converges with her character’s personal growth. The stunningly accurate historical setting, paired with a mesmerizing story, makes The Miniaturist an enthralling viewing experience. In addition, the symbolism of the dollhouse and the secrets it holds mirrors Nella’s own journey of self-discovery and survival. For those intrigued by mysterious period dramas, this mini-series proves to be a treasure trove.
- Released: 26 December 2017
- Runtime: 60 minutes per episode
- Genre: Historical drama, mystery
10) The Queens Gambit: Revolutionizing Chess in a Period Drama
Anya Taylor-Joy brought the game of chess back to the popular conscience through her riveting performance as Beth Harmon in the Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit. The series was a surprise hit, not just due to the sensational performance of Taylor-Joy, but also because the show was able to make chess, a game that many consider boring and slow, into a game that’s tense, strategic and exciting. The way the series was able to glamorize the game while still staying true to the fundamentals was truly a fresh approach.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy battling addiction while trying to reach the top echelons of the global chess scene, was universally acclaimed and she was rewarded with the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television film. The series has also shown different aspects of the chess world, from the intense hours of preparation before a match, the psychological warfare during a game, the inclusive potential of the game, and even the impact the game can have on a person’s mental health.
| Show: | Award Won: |
|---|---|
| The Queen’s Gambit | Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film |
The series not only put the spotlight back on chess but also highlighted the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated field. Through her expert portrayal of Beth’s struggle and eventual triumph, Anya Taylor-Joy was instrumental in bringing this narrative to life.
To Wrap It Up
From gothic horror nooks to the sophisticated realm of high-stakes chess, and everything in between, Anya Taylor-Joy has proven to be a mutable and mesmerizing actress. She effortlessly slips under the skin of the characters, transforming them into living, breathing entities and gifting us with performances that linger long after the closing credits. As she continues to carve her path through Hollywood and beyond, we’re certain there’s no role she can’t conquer. That wraps up our cinematic journey through Anya Taylor-Joy Movies and TV shows. As the actress herself says, “It’s all in your mind, what you do with it”, and we certainly can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
