Last night I watched Themla and Louise for the first time in at least 10 years, and definitely for the first time with a head full of adult thoughts and 2022 societal norms. The thought that these women were so belittled by their partners and so relegated to insignificance in their daily lives, that the events of this film unfolded the way they did was really shocking to me on this rewatch.
Thelma was being violently (is there any other type) sexually assaulted on the way to rape when her friend Louise jumps in and does just about the only thing that would have got this man to stop - she shoots him dead. Figuring they didn't have a shot in hell of being believed about the situation, they head out on the run, discovering themselves in the process.
I had a really tough time watching this 1991 story with my 2022 sensibilities. I know it wasn't a documentary but have things really changed so much in 30 years that in 1991 these women felt this was the best path forward? Were they so belittled and relegated in their lives that this path made sense? Was society so unwilling to open their ears to two panicked and scared women that running away made sense?
I don't have answers to these questions but it has caused me to ponder the feminine struggle through the decades as they lead to my 30-something life in the 2020s. Inching forward, creeping back. There's a lot that's better today and a lot that has completely eroded away again in the last few years. If you're reading this, yay!, but also, sorry there's not a focus point or realization beyond the persisting twisty, uphill road that is equal rights and confidence for women.
