NYFF 2017 // A FILM REVIEW OF "THELMA"
One huge advantage I have of seeing films during a film festival is being able to go in blind and not know much about a film. It's a freeing, wonderful moviegoing experience that I treasure each time (even if the film turns out to be a dud). Once it's hit the theaters, it's almost impossible to have the same kind of experience. It's also a true pleasure when a film instantly makes you feel breathless. Makes the entire audience lean forward without a single murmur in the room. And that's exactly what THELMA achieves in the very first few moments. It's a fantastic film that rewards your patience with a truly special moviegoing experience.
THELMA follows Themla (Elli Harboe), a Biology student in Oslo. She's a quiet loner, moving around her day to day life with a quiet ease, only really showasing a bond with her own parents and a strong base in her Christianity roots. It's not that Thelma doesn't want to bond with anyone else; she seemingly doesn't know how. Enter Anja (Kaya Wilkins), a kind and outgoing student at her university. She finds in Anja a friend and the two begin sharing time together, experiencing college in all its glory - parties, drinking, and romance. The romance comes in the form of a surprise, as Thelma realizes she's strongly attracted to Anja, which contradicts her own religious upbringing. And from there, with a little patience, you begin to go on a slow burn of a ride that goes in several very unexpected, and earned, directions.
Director Joachim Trier stages every shot as if its the only shot that could exist in this film. The dialogue is fresh and real. The chemistry between Harboe and Wilkins is palpable and truly the best way to experience the film is by knowing little more about this very original film, masterfully blending a coming of age film into a mystery and bending through science fiction. It's been a highlight of my year so far, and I encourage you to make it one of yours as well.
VERDICT: MUST SEE
WRITTEN BY Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier DIRECTED BY Joachim Trier STARRING Elli Harboe, Kaya Wilkins, Henrik Rafaelsen, Anders Mossling. Playing as part of the 2017 55th Annual New York Film Festival. https://www.filmlinc.org/