Some people say that traumatic events can trigger significant changes in an individual's personality, and in some cases, their biology all together. In Joachim Trier's THELMA, a shy young student named Thelma (Elli Harboe), has just left her religious family in a small town on the west coast of Norway to study at a university in Oslo. While at the library one day, she experiences a violent, unexpected seizure. Soon after, she finds herself intensely drawn toward Anja (Okay Kaya), a beautiful young student who reciprocates Thelma's powerful attraction. As the semester continues, Thelma becomes increasingly overwhelmed by her intense feelings for Anja – feelings she doesn't dare acknowledge, even to herself – while at the same time experiencing even more extreme seizures. As it becomes clearer that the seizures are a symptom of inexplicable, often dangerous, supernatural abilities, Thelma is confronted with tragic secrets of her past, and the terrifying implications of her powers.
I'll be damned if this movie doesn't look intriguing. For my money, the visuals are breathtaking and I'm loving the way "The Wolves" track by Cyrus Reynolds (featuring Keeley Bumford) swells in the background as Thelma's circumstances and emotions intensify. While I cop to never having seen Trier's other films: REPRISE, OSLO, AUGUST 31ST, or LOUDER THAN BOMBS, I can undoubtedly say that I'll be checking out his latest supernatural thriller, THELMA.
Here are some tantalizing stills and a gorgeous new poster for the upcoming film:
THELMA, starring Eili Harboe, Okay Kaya, Henrik Rafaelsen, Ellen Dorrit Petersen and written by Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt will arrive in Norwegian theaters on November 10th.