The Wasteland Reviewer

Thelma the Unicorn (2024) Written Review

What kind of animated film should we expect from the director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre? You probably were not expecting a film about a pony who dreams of being a giant music star who accidentally gets a glow up as a pink unicorn. But that is exactly what Jared Hess (and co-director Lynn Wang) deliver on Netflix in the form of Thelma the Unicorn. This music filled flick for the whole family has a surprising amount going for it. Well…who doesn’t enjoy a rag to riches story? 

Does Thelma the Unicorn offer up a story that will engage the whole family? Probably the weakest aspect of this film is the story and narrative structure. There are plenty of overly familiar and borrowed elements that pull this story together. There is a classic tale of a down-on-their-luck band who get shot to stardom but is the trade off all worthy kind of story. The big-time music producer who takes Thelma (Brittany Howard) under his wing (Jemaine Clement) is as bad as they come and there is no hiding his painfully obvious intentions. There is also a whole subplot involving the previous big female music star, Nikki Narwhal, that just bogs down the plot. There was thematic potential in terms of women turning on women despite a man being the one to cause all the tension between them…but this movie doesn’t dig that deep. 

But does Thelma at least offer themes worthy of a family-friendly flick? This has a good old-fashioned tale of grit and determination. You must chase that dream…and other such things. You cannot say this is a unique way of telling this story (except for a world where talking animals live side-by-side talking with people but still act like animals…but don’t think too hard on it). Despite it not feeling fresh, it does still deliver that messaging in an effective way. It also has bits of cautionary tales about trusting the wrong types of folks to make it big. Stick it out with your friends and those who care about you. 

What is the best element of this animated little romp? The music. For a Netflix animated musical, the music certainly blows away all expectations. There is a healthy mix of different genres (mostly pop) but all with their own little flair. The music is not the freshest or most complex, but it certainly strikes a feeling that makes this film a great time. Clement even has a zany villain, and you cannot ask for more than that. 

How about the (literal) colorful characters that fill out this cast? Howard brings so much energy and empathy to Thelma. Will Forte and Jon Heder make for a pair of fun supporting characters who fill out Thelma’s band. Clement is completely unhinged and vile as his dastardly character makes for such a fun villain. Fred Armisen is having a blast as a normal horse playing his persona up as a himbo horse. You even have a random and fun performance by Zach Galifianakis as a “Crusty Trucker”. 

Is Thelma the Unicorn a worthwhile little flick for the whole family? The film certainly rides high on the music and its fun cast of vocal performers. This film is funny as well. There are a few moments that caused a full-blown laugh out loud moment. The film is a colorful experience (with some truly grotesque looking humans…on purpose). If you can get past the familiar beats and bloats plot, you can have a fun time with the whole family (or just yourself).