Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise

Year: 1991

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Ridley Scott

DramaThrillerCrime

As two unlikely friends embark on a fishing trip, their tranquil escape turns into a desperate flight from justice when Louise stands up against would-be rapists. With a string of crimes and a trail of lawmen in pursuit, Thelma and Louise's adventures become a thrilling exploration of female empowerment and freedom.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Thelma & Louise (1991)
Trace every key event in Thelma & Louise (1991) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Weekend Getaway Begins

Thelma and Louise set off on a much-needed weekend trip to a remote fishing cabin in the mountains. This journey represents their escape from their mundane lives and the beginning of an adventure that will change them forever.

Arkansas
2

Thelma Leaves Without Notice

Thelma decides to leave her controlling husband Darryl behind, opting to embark on the trip without informing him. This impulsive decision is a bold step towards reclaiming her independence and freedom.

Arkansas
3

The Roadhouse Encounter

At a roadside bar, Thelma's carefree attitude leads her to dance with a flirtatious stranger named Harlan. Despite Louise's warnings about his intentions, the situation escalates quickly, ultimately leading to a confrontation.

Roadhouse Bar
4

Harlan's Assault

When Harlan attempts to sexually assault Thelma, Louise intervenes to protect her friend. In a surprising turn, Louise is pushed to the brink and fatally shoots Harlan, marking a dark turning point in their adventure.

Roadhouse Bar
5

Struggling with the Aftermath

In the aftermath of the shooting, Thelma and Louise check into a motel to process the weight of their actions. They grapple with the grim reality of their situation, leading to a debate on whether to turn themselves in or flee.

Motel
6

Decision to Flee

After much deliberation, the women choose to flee to Mexico instead of coming forward. They worry that Thelma's intoxication will undermine their claims of self-defense, leaving them with no choice but to run.

7

Police Investigation Begins

As Thelma and Louise attempt to stay under the radar, law enforcement led by Hal starts investigating the shooting. The police work tirelessly to piece together the events of that fateful night and track down the women.

8

Meeting J.D.

Thelma and Louise pick up J.D., a charming drifter, during their journey. Thelma feels an instant attraction to him, complicating their already tumultuous situation as they navigate their escape.

9

Heartbreak Over Jimmy

Louise makes a phone call to her boyfriend Jimmy to retrieve her life savings, hoping for support. Instead, she experiences heartbreak when he reveals he wants more than just friendship, leaving her feeling vulnerable.

10

Desperation Leads to Robbery

Amidst the chaos, Thelma decides to rob a convenience store out of desperation, driven by guilt for their circumstances. This act further entwines them in a life of crime, as they are now fugitives in a tight spot.

Convenience Store
11

Cat-and-Mouse with Authorities

As the police close in on their whereabouts, Thelma and Louise find themselves in a perilous cat-and-mouse game. They experience several close encounters with law enforcement, raising the stakes on their escape.

12

Hal's Understanding

During the investigation, Hal shows a degree of understanding for Thelma and Louise's situation, creating complex feelings within Louise. This plea for empathy opens wounds related to her traumatic past in Texas.

13

The Standoff with a Trooper

The tension peaks when Thelma and Louise are pulled over by a state trooper. The fear escalates into a high-stakes standoff, showcasing the desperation and intensity of their situation.

14

Revenge Against a Driver

In an act of defiance, Thelma and Louise retaliate against a crude truck driver, blowing up his fuel tanker. This moment marks their transformation, as they take control of their narrative in a violent but liberating manner.

15

The Final Leap

Cornered by law enforcement near the Grand Canyon, Thelma and Louise face a devastating choice. Choosing freedom over capture, they hold hands and drive off the cliff, embracing liberation in their last moments.

Grand Canyon

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:19

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