Review of Thelma (2017) by Chris A — 05 Jan 2018

This felt like an episode of the X-Files but without any FBI agents to stand around and shrug their shoulders at the end. Which... it kinda needed? It's a compelling character, a compelling back-story, an interesting mystery but nothing culminates in anything too special and it just sort of fizzles out.

Perhaps had Thelma herself been a stronger character, more emotional, this could have had the bite it needed. Or if perhaps it had just been creepier. The Witch had that atmospheric bite, moments of covering your eyes horror. Thelma just glides in and out of dream-like creepiness; there's a couple of 'accidents' that are terrifying to think about but are shown so passively it's hard to get too worked up.

I did however appreciate the message of self acceptance. Thelma's actual emotional and physical problems all stemmed from her parents desire to steer her away from who she was, something you see often in hyper religious families who try to control every move their children make. It's once she finally accepts herself for who she is that not only is she able to free herself of their bonds (re: her dad) but also show that her gifts / uniqueness can actually do some true good (to her mom) and find happiness for herself.