Thelma & Louise - Review

"You've always been crazy; this is just the first chance you've had to express yourself" – A review of Thelma & Louise. 

Haven't we all wanted to escape our normal lives at one time or another? The thrill of the open road, adventure and a good friend at our side? I know I have – and that's why I enjoy Thelma and Louise so much. Released in 1991 and directed by Ridley Scott, Thelma and Louise is a brilliant comedy drama about friendship and freedom which is sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.

Thelma, a timid housewife, and her friend Louise, a waitress, are going on a trip together. However, their holiday takes an unexpected turn when Louise shoots a man trying to sexually assault Thelma at a bar. Louise, realising there's no proof of self-defence, decides to run to Mexico joined by Thelma. Along the way, the two meet an attractive young thief who Thelma becomes quickly interested in, and the pair are also contacted by Detective Slocumb, who is sympathetic to their situation and desperately tries to convince the two to surrender before they reach the point of no return. Will the two find the freedom they both so desperately crave?

I truly loved this film. Road films are typically male focussed, but here we see two women, rejecting both the patriarchy and the law, defending themselves and taking to the road to secure the lives they've always wanted. Geena Davis, who plays Thelma, and Susan Sarandon, playing Louise, are both brilliant; Davis transitions from a meek, subservient housewife to a fearless fugitive, full of emotional depth but also surprising comedic timing making her a joy to watch. Sarandon is fiercely protective and maternal, whilst also gritty and world weary, a character who is clearly running from her own demons as well as their crimes. The charisma and chemistry between the two really makes the film, helped no doubt by the friendship the actors formed in real life.

The supporting cast is great too; Brad Pitt plays J.D, the smooth-talking criminal Thelma falls for, and is charismatic, charming but ultimately untrustworthy. This was a real breakout role for Pitt, and it's easy to see why Thelma fell for his charms. Harvey Keitel plays Detective Hal Slocumb, and you can't help but feel his desperation – he genuinely understands what the pair have been through and his attempts to negotiate a peaceful solution seem genuine and heartfelt.

This isn't just a simple road film; it's a story of female empowerment, friendship, and women taking control of their lives in a patriarchal society. It looks great, it's brilliantly acted and written, and takes a long, hard look at the injustices faced by women every day, as well as the price of true freedom.

This was a genuine joy to watch and whilst I won't spoil the ending here, I will stay I couldn't stop thinking about it after I saw it. Full of comedy, drama, tragedy and a longing for freedom that I think will resonate with many, Thelma and Louise is a true must watch.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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