Thelma (2017)

Welcome one and all to my review of the recently released "Thelma". As always if you have anything to add or to correct me on leave a comment in the section at the bottom of this post or by following me on Twitter or Instagram.

I recently had the pleasure of watching the Norwegian thriller, drama, "Thelma" which is co written and directed by Joachim Trier. I watched the film on Blu Ray and purchased it through "Amazon UK" which was released by "Motlys" and "Momento Films" in November 2017 and released on DVD and Blu Ray on the 26th of February 2018.

I have to admit I hadn't really heard of "Thelma" before noticing a trailer on my suggested links on "YouTube" and I was blown away. The story follows a young woman, Thelma, as she moves out of the family home and becomes a student. We learn that Thelma has been raised in a religious household. and is struggling with what she feels are sinful thoughts. As these thoughts become stronger Thelma starts to suffer from seizures that cause strange events to occur around her. These events become more serious and Thelma returns home to discover how her past has shaped the events that have been occurring.

I cannot recommend "Thelma" enough. As I have said previously I had never heard of the film or the film maker before seeing the trailer. I love films that I can watch without any real idea of what to expect as I don't go in with opinions or expectations and "Thelma" was a real delight. The story is thought provoking and emotional without becoming melodramatic. On the surface it could have been told from a purely science fiction angle focusing on Thelma's abilities and powers rather than her personal struggle but, focuses on Thelma's life and fear of the person she is and is becoming.

"Thelma" is visually stunning. It is very bleak and grey in the Scandinavian style. The more fantastical dream sequences are handled well. I feel that there is a realism to the dream sequences that reminds me of "Black Swan" as they become intense and confusing but, feel grounded in realism. The sequences in which Thelma displays her abilities are subtly done. I feel with more science fiction driven films that the visual effects are the focus rather than the person in the scene, this is not the case with "Thelma".

The pacing of the story is pretty fast paced. This means that there are a few plot points that remain unexplained but, I didn't mind. I like that there are questions to be asked after the film ends and "Thelma" left me thinking about the finale for a few days afterwards.

Overall "Thelma" is a great film that really caught me off guard. A touching, emotional thriller with aspects of science fiction that aren't the main focus. The central performances are fantastic and the soundtrack and way in which the film are shot leaves for an intense, drama filled masterpiece.