Thelma

Thelma
Directed by Joachim Trier
Starring Eili Harboe, Kaya Wilkins, Henrik Rafaelsen, Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Ludvig Algeback and Isabel Christine Andreasen
In UK cinemas November 3rd, 2017

by Gemsy

So, if the films But I’m a Cheerleader and Carrie had an illegitimate child that was then sent to be brought up by Uncle Let the Right one in, you’d end up with the film Thelma.

Thelma is a first-year university student living away from home for the first time. Along with experiencing the conventional early-adulthood issues of being a bit of an outsider in her friendship group and yearning for her first boyfriend, she also starts suffering from violent seizures. Investigation necessitates a trip down memory lane for poor Thelma, which uncovers both dark secrets in her family’s past and the potential that she possesses terrible powers.

Oh – and everyone in the film is a dick.

Thelma is a dick (in a superiority complex way).

Her parents are dicks (in a might-be-watching-you-when-you-pee, controlling way).

Her closest friend (and I mean super close!) and other peers are dicks (in a teasing, bullying way).

But somehow? You like, and empathise with, pretty much all of them.

Thelma subtly blends the bleakness and mystery of nordic noir with the creeping unease of Japanese horror to create a masterpiece. Thematically, it picks below the surface on the traditional ideas of morality, the concept of good and evil and also the possession of free will, in a manner that leaves you unsure as to whether you spent the film rooting for the right people…

The film is essentially a coming-of-age piece, investigating peer pressure from family and friends and the journey to accept yourself for who you are. But… with supernatural powers and tons of birds with no sense of direction. It’s wonderfully shot, superbly acted and the whole thing works brilliantly. Add it to the list of ‘must-sees’ for this year.