"Thelma the Unicorn," a 2024 American animated musical adventure comedy film, brings to life the beloved children's book series by Aaron Blabey. Directed by Jared Hess and Lynn Wang, with a screenplay penned by Jared and Jerusha Hess, the film stars the voices of Brittany Howard, Will Forte, Jemaine Clement, Edi Patterson, Fred Armisen, Zach Galifianakis, Jon Heder, and Shondrella Avery. Notably, this film marks the acting debut of Brittany Howard.
Released on Netflix on May 17, 2024, "Thelma the Unicorn" has received a range of reviews from critics, generally leaning towards positive. Its vibrant animation, catchy musical numbers, and heartwarming story have captivated audiences worldwide.
Plot Summary
The film follows Thelma, a small farm pony with big dreams of becoming a famous musician. She and her bandmates, Otis the donkey and Reggie the llama, form a band called The Rusty Buckets. Their dream is nearly shattered after a humiliating audition at SparklePalooza, a prestigious singing showcase. In a twist of fate, a clumsy truck driver accidentally drenches Thelma in glitter and pink paint, giving her the appearance of a unicorn. Seizing the moment, Thelma decides to embrace this new identity, despite Otis' objections about maintaining their true selves.
Rise to Fame
Thelma's new look attracts a crowd, and her singing talent soon catches the ear of Peggy Purvis, a blind retired record dealer. Peggy sees potential in Thelma and her band, making them her new comeback attraction. As Thelma's fame grows, she catches the attention of Vic Diamond, a snooty manager working for the arrogant singer Nikki Narwhal. Vic convinces Peggy to let Thelma open for Nikki's new concert, leading to a series of dramatic events, including a limo explosion orchestrated by Vic to separate Thelma from her friends.
The Struggle with Identity
At Nikki's concert, Thelma is forced to perform solo, earning a standing ovation and signing a contract with Vic. As Thelma's fame soars, Vic advises her to maintain her unicorn facade, even arranging a fake relationship with internet star Danny Stallion. Meanwhile, Nikki, feeling threatened by Thelma's rising popularity, instructs her assistant Megan to uncover dirt on Thelma.
The Big Reveal
Megan discovers Thelma's secret and blackmails her into quitting the music business. Disheartened, Thelma goes missing, only to later realize the importance of embracing her true self. She reunites with her friends and returns to SparklePalooza, where she reveals her real identity. The audience, moved by her honesty, accepts her, and Nikki's attempt to sabotage Thelma backfires.
A Happy Ending
In the end, Thelma and her friends secure a record deal with Peggy and continue their musical journey. The film concludes with a humorous twist, as Otis gets drenched in white paint and feathers, giving him the appearance of a pegasus.
Voice Cast and Performances
- Brittany Howard as Thelma: Howard shines in her acting debut, bringing a delightful charm and vocal prowess to the role of Thelma.
- Will Forte as Otis: Forte's portrayal of Otis adds depth and humor, making him a memorable character.
- Jemaine Clement as Vic Diamond: Clement excels as the scheming talent agent, adding a layer of complexity to the antagonist.
- Edi Patterson as Megan: Patterson's performance as Nikki's henchwoman is both entertaining and pivotal to the plot.
- Fred Armisen as Danny Stallion: Armisen's voice acting brings a quirky charm to the internet star.
- Zach Galifianakis as Crusty Trucker: Galifianakis provides comic relief in his role as the bumbling truck driver.
- Jon Heder as Reggie: Heder's Reggie is lovable and adds to the film's heartwarming dynamic.
- Shondrella Avery as Zirconia: Avery's role adds a unique touch to the diverse cast.
- Ally Dixon as Nikki Narwhal: Dixon captures the essence of the pampered but vicious narwhal singer, with Baraka May providing the singing voice.
Production Insights
In June 2019, Netflix secured the film rights to Aaron Blabey's "Thelma the Unicorn" after a competitive bidding war. Jared Hess, known for his work on "Napoleon Dynamite," directed the film alongside Lynn Wang, with Blabey serving as an executive producer. Pam Coats joined as a producer in April 2023, and Mikros Animation provided the film's vibrant and engaging animation.
The voice cast was announced in January 2024, featuring a stellar lineup including Brittany Howard, Will Forte, and Jemaine Clement. This film marks the second collaboration between Jon Heder and Jared Hess since their work on "Napoleon Dynamite."
Musical Elements
The soundtrack of "Thelma the Unicorn" is a key highlight, featuring an array of musical numbers that complement the film's adventurous spirit. Brittany Howard's rendition of "Are You Gonna Go My Way" by Lenny Kravitz stands out, though it is not included on the official soundtrack. Other notable tracks include "Hold On, I'm Comin'" by Sam & Dave, "Conga" by Gloria Estefan, and "Hollywood Swinging" by Kool & the Gang.
The film's score was composed by John Powell, beginning in December 2023. The soundtrack album, "Thelma the Unicorn: Soundtrack From The Netflix Film," produced by Mike Elizondo, was released concurrently with the film on May 17, 2024. The album features several original songs performed by Brittany Howard and other cast members, showcasing the film's musical diversity.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, "Thelma the Unicorn" received mixed to positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 71% approval rating based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 6.2/10. Critics praised the film's animation, musical numbers, and Howard's performance, though some felt the storyline was somewhat predictable.
Positive Reviews
Variety commended the film's vibrant animation and catchy musical numbers, noting that "Thelma the Unicorn" delivers a heartwarming and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. The review highlighted Brittany Howard's vocal performance, describing it as a standout aspect of the film.
The Hollywood Reporter praised the film for its positive messages about self-acceptance and the importance of staying true to oneself. The review lauded the direction by Jared Hess and Lynn Wang, as well as the voice performances of the entire cast.
Mixed Reviews
The New York Times offered a more nuanced take, appreciating the film's humor and musical elements but critiquing its reliance on familiar tropes. The review noted that while "Thelma the Unicorn" may not break new ground in the animated musical genre, it succeeds in providing a fun and uplifting story.
Audience Reception
Netflix viewers have also responded positively to "Thelma the Unicorn," with many praising its charming animation, engaging plot, and memorable songs. The film's themes of self-acceptance and the value of authenticity resonated with audiences, making it a popular choice for family viewing.
Conclusion
"Thelma the Unicorn" is a delightful addition to Netflix's lineup of animated films. With its engaging story, vibrant animation, and catchy musical numbers, the film offers a heartwarming and entertaining experience for viewers of all ages. Brittany Howard's debut performance, along with the talented voice cast, brings Aaron Blabey's beloved characters to life in a memorable way.
For fans of animated musicals and family-friendly adventures, "Thelma the Unicorn" is a must-watch. Its positive messages and entertaining plot make it a film that will be enjoyed by both children and adults. As Thelma's journey teaches us, embracing our true selves is the key to finding genuine happiness and success.