Originally conceived of as a stage play, “Thoroughbred,” the debut feature from writer-director Corey Finley, drew raves following its Sundance world premiere on Jan. 21 and was quickly snatched up for 5 million by Focus Features.
The noirish psychological drama looks at a dangerous friendship between two teenage girls, Olivia Cooke’s Amanda, who cannot feel real emotions, and Anya Taylor-Joy’s Lily, a prep school student outwardly perfect and inwardly fractured.
“Thoroughbred” is also notable as one of the final roles for Anton Yelchin, who died in a bizarre automobile accident at his home in June 2016.
Yelchin came to the project versed in the genre and full of ideas, says director Finley, who called the “Star Trek” actor “a tremendous presence on set.”
“He was just a tremendous presence on set, and really kind of expanded what that role meant in the film,” Finley told TheWrap. “The film sort of has neo-noir elements and he was just a huge student film noir.
“[He] came in with a ton of ideas about the character, and really I think urged everyone else to bring their A game,” the director continued. “I think that we’re all just grateful that we had the opportunity to work with him.”
Anton Yelchin's 10 Most Memorable Roles (Videos)
Anton Yelchin was best known for portraying Pavel Chekov in the "Star Trek" reboot, but his acting career spanned 15 years.
He died Sunday in a freak car accident at the age of 27.
We look back at some of his best work.
"Delivering Milo" (2001)
One of Yelchin's earliest credited roles was the titular role in "Delivering Milo."
Yelchin would later team up with his costar Jon Cho for "Star Trek"
"Alpha Dog" (2006)
Based on a true story, Yelchin played a teen who became dangerously embroiled in a feud over drug money.
"Charlie Bartlett" (2007)
Yelchin played the wealthy teenager after which the film is named in this R-rated comedic drama.
"Star Trek" (2009)
Yelchin debuted as Pavel Chekov in the series reboot, directed by J.J. Abrams.
"Terminator Salvation" (2009)
The late actor played Kyle Reese in this version of "Terminator," starring Christian Bale as John Connor.
"The Smurfs" (2011)
Yelchin voiced the role of Clumsy Smurf in four "Smurfs" films.
"Star Trek Into Darkness" (2013)
Yelchin reprised his role as Chekov in the sequel, where he was able to trade in his yellow uniform for a red officer's one.
"Cymbeline" (2014)
Yelchin showed off his dramatic chops in this dark adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy.
"Green Room" (2015)
The horror thriller starring Yelchin only had a limited release, but had a score of 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
"Star Trek Beyond" (2016)
Sadly, Yelchin died a month before "Star Trek Beyond" was set to be released. The ensemble cast has been devasted by the loss of their costar.
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Late actor had diverse body of work spanning 15 years
Anton Yelchin was best known for portraying Pavel Chekov in the "Star Trek" reboot, but his acting career spanned 15 years.
He died Sunday in a freak car accident at the age of 27.
We look back at some of his best work.
