Ana Taylor Joy, best known for her role as Thomasin in the film "The Witch," is a captivating actress who has quickly risen to fame. Born in Miami, Florida, on April 16, 1996, she moved to Argentina as a child and then later to London. Her multilingual background has certainly played a significant role in her ability to seamlessly portray characters from different cultures and time periods. Joy made her acting debut in the horror film "The Witch" in 2015, which garnered critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the industry. Her performance as Thomasin, a young girl accused of practicing witchcraft in colonial New England, was widely praised for its depth and authenticity. Despite her young age at the time, Joy managed to captivate audiences with her portrayal of a character caught in a nightmarish situation.
Although Anya continued to work, there were reports that she was ready to quit acting in 2019 after the release of M. Night Shyamalan’s Glass. When asked about the situation she said “it took me a second to realize that the people around me weren’t working the way that I was working. I thought everybody finished a job, got on a plane, and started the next job.” She explained, “these are pivotal years in my development as a person, and I had put all of my energy into fleshing out other people, and I suddenly got to a point where I had no idea who I was, trying to hold on to relationships, and trying to build a home without having any kind of root or tether because I hadn’t figured out that I had to be that for myself.”
She explained, these are pivotal years in my development as a person, and I had put all of my energy into fleshing out other people, and I suddenly got to a point where I had no idea who I was, trying to hold on to relationships, and trying to build a home without having any kind of root or tether because I hadn t figured out that I had to be that for myself. That camera was all up in my grill and I was completely oblivious to it because Thomasin is such an interesting maverick on the inside that I spent a majority of the time filming the movie just lost in her world.
Despite her young age at the time, Joy managed to captivate audiences with her portrayal of a character caught in a nightmarish situation. Since then, she has continued to impress with her versatile performances in various genres. In 2016, she portrayed the troubled Casey Cooke in the psychological horror film "Split.
Q&A: Anya Taylor-Joy
Director Robert Eggers’ The Witch isn’t your typical horror movie. Sure, the threat of the titular character looms over the film—set in 1630s New England—but while the carefully crafted film delivers its share of scares, it still feels more like a period piece than a slasher flick. Front and center in the film is Anya Taylor-Joy’s Thomasin, a teenager whose family weathers a storm of what might be bad luck or might be something more sinister. Here, the actress explains what drew her to the role and why what was most difficult about the film isn’t what you might think.
There’s something very witchy going on in the zeitgeist these days. There was that Stacy Schiff book about Salem and now this film. What do you think makes it such an appealing topic?
There is definitely something mystical out there that none of us could have predicted—and we are very lucky for it. You know, if I were to offer a hesitant guess, I would think that women’s rights are finally at the forefront of a lot of things—people are talking and thinking about that—and this is a part of history that women, innocent women, were being brutally murdered. I think that no one really thought about that for a while, a lot of people forget that it happened, and I’m so glad that The Witch can bring the reality of it back. The truth is the movie is so historically accurate and I bet you a lot of people will go see it and be like, oh it’s a made up story. But, no, this is what a witch was. It’s a very scary thing and if you werea woman being accused of it, that was a death sentence.
Was the political nature of the movie on your mind when you first signed on?
The way that I prepare for auditions is that I read the script the night before and then again a few minutes before I go. I read The Witch very late at night on my own in my bedroom, and when I turned the final page I swear to god my body collapsed. I didn’t understand it. There was something so powerful about what I was experiencing, and it felt like someone was choking me with anxiety and fear. I didn’t even realize this was something that frightened me. This is the feeling that I will continue to chase for every script that I ever read from now on.
Once you actually started making the movie, what was life like on the set?
Rob [Eggers, the director] was very smart in how he cast the film; he did something amazing for all of us in that he delivered all of our best friends. We were so close and so in love with each other, but the shooting of the film was difficult. The actual hanging out with people and interactions and vibes on set was very light and very fun, but as far as the actual reality of shooting the movie—we willed this thing into existence. I’m talking animals, children, the dogs, all sinking into the muddy ground; no WiFi, no cell service. Spring just started to come, so we had to pick up all the buds off of the trees and the sun was out all the damn time. So, we worked really, really hard to make this.
Did being in a film like this spark your own interest in witchcraft?
I have always been a history buff, and I have always been really into magic. When I was a kid, I would run off into the woods so happily looking for witches and things like that because I wanted to play with them. So, from a history buff’s point of view, this was right up my street. A lot of people look at this movie and still don’t really get that this happened, while I was like, Oh, these things must be real and this is the way it was.
Was any part of making the movie scary for you?
I was so wrapped up in Thomasin and her struggle, so not really. When I saw the movie for the first time, I was so struck by the number of close ups there were. I was like, Wow, how did you get that close to my face. That camera was all up in my grill and I was completely oblivious to it because Thomasin is such an interesting maverick on the inside that I spent a majority of the time filming the movie just lost in her world.
Is there something that could have frightened you?
I’m so sorry. You probably want something really deep and intense, but if I’m going to be really honest, I have an unhealthy fears of baboons. They really, really panic me. I don’t even know why. I love animals. I’m the biggest animal lover in the world. Baboons and I are just not supposed to be in the same room. Ever.
The way that I prepare for auditions is that I read the script the night before and then again a few minutes before I go. I read The Witch very late at night on my own in my bedroom, and when I turned the final page I swear to god my body collapsed. I didn’t understand it. There was something so powerful about what I was experiencing, and it felt like someone was choking me with anxiety and fear. I didn’t even realize this was something that frightened me. This is the feeling that I will continue to chase for every script that I ever read from now on.
" Her ability to convey vulnerability and strength in the face of danger earned her further recognition among audiences and critics alike. The film's success led to its sequel, "Glass," in which Joy reprised her role. Joy's talent extends beyond the horror genre, as she has also demonstrated her acting chops in period dramas and comedies. In 2020, she played the title character in the acclaimed Netflix miniseries "The Queen's Gambit." Her portrayal of chess prodigy Beth Harmon received widespread praise, earning her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. The series showcased Joy's ability to bring complexity and depth to her characters, solidifying her status as a talented actress. In addition to her acting skills, Joy's unique and captivating appearance has also contributed to her rising popularity. Her striking features, such as her large eyes and expressive face, make her a captivating presence on screen. With her growing success, she has become a fashion icon and a muse to many designers. Ana Taylor Joy's talent, versatility, and charismatic presence have undoubtedly made her a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her ability to embody a wide range of characters and capture the essence of each role is a testament to her dedication and skill. As she continues to take on challenging projects, it is evident that her star will only continue to rise..
Reviews for "Decoding Ana Taylor Joy's Witchy Fashion"
1. John Doe - 1/5
I was really disappointed with "Ana Taylor Joy the Witch". The plot was slow and predictable, and the acting felt forced. The film tried to build up tension, but it just fell flat for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and the ending was unsatisfying. Overall, I found it to be a waste of time.
2. Sarah Smith - 2/5
I had high expectations for "Ana Taylor Joy the Witch" but was ultimately let down. The movie had a promising concept, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was extremely slow, and there were long stretches where nothing seemed to happen. The acting was average at best, and the characters were one-dimensional. The film tried to be atmospheric, but it just felt gimmicky. I found myself bored and disinterested throughout, and was left feeling underwhelmed.
3. Mark Thompson - 2/5
"Ana Taylor Joy the Witch" is not for everyone. While some may appreciate its slow and atmospheric nature, I found it to be a tedious watch. The story lacked depth, and the characters felt underdeveloped. The film relied too heavily on mood and style, neglecting to provide any substantial substance. I was hoping for more scares and suspense, but it fell short in that aspect as well. Overall, it just didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
4. Emily Brown - 1/5
I couldn't understand the hype around "Ana Taylor Joy the Witch". The movie was overly pretentious and failed to engage me from the start. The dialogue was dull and unnatural, and the performances were lackluster. The plot was convoluted and went nowhere, making it difficult to invest in what was happening on-screen. The cinematography was the only redeeming quality, but it wasn't enough to salvage the film. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this one.