English summary

‘Full of beautiful images and observations’

‘True to life!’

Stylish Scandinavian thriller about Thelma, the shy girl who trades her life with her deeply religious rural family for the university campus in the big city of Oslo. Shortly after arriving there she has an unexpected, epileptic-like seizure, but doesn’t tell her parents. She also meets fellow student Anja, to whom she feels particularly attracted. She is overwhelmed with emotions that she does not dare to acknowledge.

The attacks increase in frequency and intensity and it turns out they have nothing to do with epilepsy. The doctors have no medical explanation. Gradually it becomes clear that she has terrifying supernatural powers. Rarely has a first infatuation been so disturbing. While Thelma takes up the challenge of seduction, the film zooms in on her past: a family tragedy in which she herself played a decisive role. Gradually the pieces fall into place.

The leading role is played by budding natural talent Eili Harboe. Even as director Joachim Trier gently guides his title character into the domain of fantasy, the film remains true to life. Thelma has been selected as the Norwegian submission to the Oscars  for Best Foreign Film.