Thelma

The 2017 movie titled Thelma, a Norwegian psychological drama-thriller film, is a thought-provoking and emotive exploration of self-discovery, power, and acceptance. Directed by the acclaimed Joachim Trier, the film stars Eili Harboe, Kendrick Wilkins, and Henrik Rafaelsen.

The film revolves around its titular character, Thelma, played by Eili Harboe. Thelma is a shy and introverted young woman hailing from a conservative Christian family, who moved from the quiet countryside to the bustling city of Oslo to pursue her studies in university. This move allowed her to experience independence and make decisions for herself for the first time in her life. She's not the typical college student in her new environment, she’s innocent to the broader world and is exploring her newfound independence.

Eili Harboe's portrayal of Thelma perfectly captures the nuances of a young woman navigating her way through a labyrinth of complex emotions and situations, while at the same time trying to understand the burgeoning powers she appears to possess. Harboe's portrayal offers a depth to Thelma that makes her a captivating lead.

The storyline gains momentum and suspense when Thelma starts experiencing intense, unexplainable seizures. These seizures expand into a range of supernatural phenomena that coincide with her emotional states, especially when she develops romantic feelings for her friend, Anja, poignantly played by Kaya Wilkins. This complex and charged relationship forms the core of the movie, as Thelma grapples with her feelings for Anja in her conservative and religious background.

Henrik Rafaelsen gives a strong performance as Trond, Thelma's stern and protective father, his subtle expressions and gestures reflects the complexity of his character. His relationship with Thelma adds an additional dimension to the plot highlighting the impact of parenthood, faith, and fear.

Thelma is distinctly a visually rich film. The cinematography is striking, with beautifully shot sequences that form an integral part of the narrative. The juxtaposition of the serene, snow-laden landscapes of the countryside with the gritty urban atmosphere of the city reflects Thelma's internal conflict and the struggle she experiences throughout the film.

Moreover, Thelma goes beyond being a simple supernatural thriller. It’s a metaphorical journey that weaves themes of love, freedom, guilt, power, and constraints of societal norms. The essence of the film is how it brilliantly intertwines supernatural elements with Thelma's emotional journey. The supernatural phenomena aren't isolated scaring tactics but are symbolic of Thelma's suppressed feelings and deep-rooted anxieties.

Thelma’s supernatural abilities and the mysterious nature of them can be interpreted as her unconscious mind's response to her stifled desires and the rigid moral and religious boundaries she's familiar with. Therefore, her struggle is not necessarily against an external threat, but involves her coming to terms with herself, her power, her urges, and her individuality.

The powerful and dynamic score composed by Ola Fløttum enhances the dramatic tension and complements the movie's intense undertones. It periodically oscillates between restrained and swelling, mirroring Thelma's upheaval, moments of calm, chaos, and catharsis.

In terms of genre Thelma defies easy categorization. It's a mix of coming-of-age story, drama, thriller, romance, and supernatural horror. The film excels in taking up these multiple threads and weaving them into a cohesive narrative tapestry.

With intensely emotional performances, a compelling storyline, stunning cinematic visuals, and metaphoric undertones, Thelma is a movie that leaves a lasting impression. This film excels as an exploration of an individual's journey to self-realization and acceptance while grappling with their spiritual beliefs and their unique, powerful abilities. Thelma provides a riveting cinematic experience for anyone interested in introspective cinema that uses supernatural elements to underline complex emotional states and human experiences.