Anya Taylor-Joy’s Evolving Career
At just 30 years old, Anya Taylor-Joy has already carved out a remarkable path in the acting world. She’s not only been nominated for prestigious awards like a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, and an Emmy, but she also continues to seek out diverse and exciting roles. Her upcoming appearance as the elf Seren in the prequel movie Gollum Hunt is just another testament to her adventurous spirit in choosing projects.
In her latest limited series, Lucky, Taylor-Joy portrays a con artist on the run, deceived by her own husband, who turns out to be a con man himself. Along with acting, she’s taken on the role of executive producer, working with Reese Witherspoon.
Currently, the first three episodes of Lucky are available for streaming on Apple TV, and subsequent episodes will be released weekly. Personally, it’s a bit frustrating not being able to binge-watch the entire series right now. So, what to watch in the meantime? Here are some of my favorite Anya Taylor-Joy shows and movies.
Her career really took off after the success of The Queen’s Gambit. This Netflix series became a sensation during the pandemic. It follows the story of Beth Harmon, an orphan who discovers her incredible talent for chess and ascends to the highest levels of the game. You wouldn’t think a series about chess would be so captivating, but Taylor-Joy’s portrayal makes it utterly engaging.
How did we not need another adaptation of Jane Austen, right? But surprisingly, the 2020 film Emma, in which Taylor-Joy stars as the matchmaker Emma Woodhouse, defies expectations. I think it might be one of her underrated films, perhaps because it premiered right before the pandemic started, limiting its recognition. It’s charming and deserves more praise!
In The Witch, Taylor-Joy’s first leading role, she teamed up with director Robert Eggers to create a haunting narrative. Set in the 1600s, it tells the tale of a Puritan family grappling with evil and suspicion surrounding their daughter Thomasin, who might be practicing witchcraft. Just a heads up, I’d suggest watching this one with the lights on!
Joining the acclaimed series Peaky Blinders in its fifth season, Taylor-Joy plays Gina Gray, who brings a wave of chaos to the Shelby family dynamics. Without giving anything away, her ability to convey complexity through expressions stands out.
I’ve got to say, Last Night in Soho is one of Taylor-Joy’s most overlooked films. While Edgar Wright’s films can sometimes miss the mark with critics, this thriller follows a fashion student who travels back to the 1960s and, well, things get weird. Taylor-Joy’s vocal performance is a highlight, particularly when she sings “Downtown.” It definitely leans into campiness!
I wouldn’t call The Menu your typical horror-comedy, but it’s quite the treat. Here, Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult find themselves at an upscale restaurant with a bizarre menu. Taylor-Joy’s character, Margot, hides her true identity, which leads to plenty of tension with the chef, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. If you like surprises, this is the film for you!
And how could I forget Thoroughbreds? Early in her career, Taylor-Joy teamed up with Olivia Cooke in this dark comedy about two high schoolers plotting to murder Lily’s stepfather. Despite its grim premise, the film is layered with clever writing and compelling performances.
