Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Thelma (2017) movie poster

Spoiler-Free Summary

Thelma (2017) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 116 min · Norwegian
Echo score 78
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Joachim Trier
Starring
Steinar Klouman Hallert, Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Anders Mossling, Camilla Belsvik, Eili Harboe, Grethe Eltervåg
Budget
$47.5M

A shy Norwegian student, Thelma, experiences a startling discovery when she begins to manifest extraordinary and dangerous powers. Drawn to the enigmatic Anja, she grapples with a forbidden love while confronting deeply buried secrets from her past. As her abilities intensify, Thelma must face the life-threatening nature of her powers and the personal turmoil they unleash.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What it is about
  3. 3 Is it worth watching?
  4. 4 After you watch
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Thelma
  7. 7 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

Spoiler-free summary · safe to read

What Is Thelma About? (No Spoilers)

The plot of Thelma (2017) without spoilers: what it is about, who it follows and where it takes place, told without the twists or the ending. Enough to decide whether it is your next watch, not enough to ruin it.

In a quiet suburb where the rhythm of daily life is punctuated by the buzz of smartphones and the hum of online connections, Thelma—a spirited 93‑year‑old who still wrestles with modern technology—finds herself at the heart of an unexpected adventure. The film opens with her navigating video calls, social media, and the occasional bewildering glitch, all while sharing a warm, if occasionally over‑protective, bond with her grandson Danny. Their relationship feels both nostalgic and tender, highlighting a generational bridge that is both comedic and heartfelt.

The world of Thelma balances the ordinary comforts of family gatherings and retirement home camaraderie with a lively undercurrent of mischief and resilience. As she attempts to keep pace with a rapidly changing digital age, the supportive presence of her daughter Gail and son‑in‑law Alan underscores the familial ties that keep her grounded. The story gently introduces a colorful cast of friends—including a charismatic retiree named Ben and a quirky community of fellow seniors—each adding depth to the portrait of a woman determined to stay independent and engaged, even when circumstances grow confusing.

Through a blend of light‑hearted humor, tender moments, and a subtle sense of intrigue, the film captures Thelma’s indomitable spirit as she confronts the bewildering challenges that arise when past and present collide. The tone remains warm and witty, inviting viewers to cheer for her tenacity while reflecting on the universal desire to remain relevant and connected, no matter one’s age. Ultimately, Thelma promises a charming, uplifting journey that celebrates the courage found in everyday life and the enduring strength of family bonds.

Last updated: August 10, 2025 at 02:55

Was this helpful?

What to expect

Is Thelma Worth Watching? What It Feels Like

Is it dark, sad, slow, intense or confusing? The mood of Thelma (2017) in a few tags, without a word about how it ends. Each tag opens a list of movies that feel the same.

After you watch

Seen Thelma? Read the Ending Explained

Once you have watched Thelma (2017), come back for the full story: the plot summary with spoilers, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and what happens at the end, explained.

Movie threads

More Movies Like Thelma, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Thelma tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about discovering powers like Thelma

Stories of characters discovering and grappling with newfound, often dangerous abilities. If you enjoyed Thelma's journey of self-discovery, explore more movies like Thelma where characters awaken to secret abilities. These similar sci-fi and fantasy dramas focus on the emotional weight and personal challenges of grappling with newfound power.

  • discovery
  • mysterious
  • introspective
  • empowering
  • uncanny
  • forbidden love
  • Tone: mysterious, introspective, light with dramatic weight
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically follows a protagonist, often starting from a place of normalcy or repression, who unexpectedly manifests a supernatural ability. The story charts their journey of coming to terms with this power, navigating the danger and responsibility it brings, while often uncovering hidden truths about their past or identity.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the intimate, character-driven experience of a power awakening. They blend elements of mystery, drama, and often romance, maintaining a steady pace and a tone that balances light with moments of serious consequence.

Supernatural romance movies like Thelma

A blossoming romance becomes entangled with dangerous, otherworldly forces. Find more stories like Thelma that blend romance with supernatural drama. If you liked the relationship between Thelma and Anja, these movies feature similar tales of forbidden love set against a backdrop of mysterious powers and personal discovery.

  • forbidden love
  • touching
  • tense
  • emotional
  • mysterious
  • heartwarming
  • Tone: touching, tense, light
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot intertwines a character's journey of supernatural awakening with the complications of a new romantic attraction. The relationship often serves as the emotional core, providing motivation and conflict, while the supernatural element adds external pressure and risk, creating a unique blend of personal and mystical drama.

Why they belong together: These films are linked by their unique combination of a genuine romantic storyline with elements of fantasy or sci-fi thriller. They share a specific mood that is both heartwarming and tense, focusing on how love flourishes or is tested in the face of the uncanny and dangerous.

If you liked this

Movies Like Thelma

Similar movies to Thelma: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Thelma (2017) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Thelma in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app