Anya Taylor-Joy has become a household name thanks to her roles in The Queen's Gambit, Split, and The Witch, but one of her earlier gems has been flying under the radar for years. Marrowbone, a 2017 psychological thriller directed by Sergio Gutiérrez Sánchez, is finally getting the attention it deserves as it lands on free streaming platform Xumo Play.
The film follows the Marrowbone siblings—Jack (George Mackay), Jane (Mia Goth), Billy (Charlie Heaton), and young Sam (Matthew Stagg)—who flee their abusive father in England and settle in a decaying New England estate after their mother's death. They live in seclusion, hiding from the world and the ghost of their father, who they believe haunts the attic. Their isolated existence is disrupted when Jack meets Allie (Taylor-Joy), a warm and curious local librarian who represents the outside world and its possibilities.
What sets Marrowbone apart is its blend of gothic horror and family drama. The film's atmosphere is thick with dread, from the crumbling mansion to the whispered warnings about rabid animals and black mold. It's a slow-burn thriller that prioritizes emotional depth over jump scares, exploring themes of trauma, grief, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. The film's sophisticated approach to horror, with its focus on familial secrets and psychological unraveling, predates the elevated horror trend that Hereditary would popularize a year later.
Taylor-Joy's Allie is a breath of fresh air in this grim world. Her character's optimism and kindness stand in stark contrast to the Marrowbones' fear and paranoia. As a librarian, she is naturally drawn to stories, and she becomes an unwitting participant in the family's elaborate fiction that their mother is still alive. Her journey to uncover the truth is both compelling and heartbreaking, as her own worldview is shattered by the dark realities she uncovers.
The film's production design is a character in itself. The Marrowbone estate, with its rusted gates, overgrown ivy, and shattered mirrors, is a visual metaphor for the family's fractured psyche. Director Sánchez uses long, oppressive shots to create a sense of claustrophobia, making the audience feel as trapped as the characters. The score by Fernando Velázquez adds to the haunting atmosphere, with soaring strings that underscore the emotional weight of the story.
Mia Goth, who would later become a horror icon with X and Pearl, delivers a standout performance as Jane, the protective older sister whose maternal instincts border on obsessive. Her portrayal of a young woman clinging to control in a world that has taken everything from her is both subtle and powerful. George Mackay, known for 1917, brings a quiet intensity to Jack, the eldest brother burdened with the weight of his family's secrets.
For fans of forgotten thrillers, Marrowbone is a must-watch. It's a film that rewards patience, with a twist that recontextualizes everything you've seen before. If you're in the mood for a masterclass in direction and storytelling, this is it. And with its new availability on Xumo Play, there's no excuse not to give it a chance.
As Taylor-Joy's career continues to soar, with roles in Dune: Part Two and the upcoming Lilo & Stitch remake, it's worth looking back at the films that showcased her early talent. Marrowbone is a hidden gem that deserves a place alongside her more celebrated works. So, if you're looking for a chilling, emotionally resonant thriller to stream this August, head over to Xumo Play and discover the haunting world of the Marrowbone family.
