Thelma the Unicorn

Thelma aspires to be a famous musician but her looks as a farm pony stand in her way as she keeps getting mocked by other bands. One time, during a talent show, she's rejected by the judges who after judging her appearance told her she's not got what it takes to be a star. They preferred a band with sparkles, vibe and striking colors.

The judges remarks pokes Thelma's ego and she isolates herself from everyone. But her friend, tries to cheer her up by reminding her of how special and good looking she was.

Thelma, not buying his motivational speech, thinks her career is over until one day when the sun decides to shine on her. A truck driver who was carrying drums of paint got clumsy and lost control of the wheels.

The truck swerves in Thelma's direction and some pink paint and glitter spill on her while she has a carrot stuck to her forehead, making her look like a real pony.

With her new looks, Thelma swears to never wash the paint off as people become interested in her. She also uses the opportunity to sing her song which she intended on singing on the day of the talent hunt show before being rudely dismissed by the judges. When asked if she was a real pony, she lies by affirming to being one which earns her a spotlight. But, her friend, Otis, doesn't like the idea of her lying about her identity and true nature. He said she was unique in her natural skin but Thelma preferred the glam and sparkle that made her look like a real pony. She was now seen and she wasn't going to let that go.

In no time, Thelma becomes popular, and her band “The Rusty Bucket’’ gets the attention of a blind record label owner, Peggy, to whom Thelma was a huge fan girl.

Soon, Thelma also gets the attention of a rude singer's manager, Vic and she signs a deal to work with him. He flashes luxury in Thelma's face and manipulates her into walking away from Peggy. He also makes her believe her friends, Otis and Reggie, who always supported her when she had nothing, were not in support of her.

Now brainwashed, she chooses herself and her career over her friends despite the fact that Otis tried to explain what had happened.

Thelma battles with the fake life of being a real pony. She enjoys how people love her music but can she keep up with the paint on her skin forever?

My Review and Rating

Directed by Jared Hess and Lynn Wang, Thelma the Unicorn is an American animated musical film that is super exciting and didactic.

There are several things I love about this film and one of them is realism. The film deals with characters that are relatable. I think more than half of the people in this world have one or two things they don't like about themselves and wish they could change. Maybe because of a particular position in a company, a modeling agency, keeping up with social life, etc. I felt Thelma's grief and couldn't judge her for any decision she made after that paint poured on her because these are everyday things most of us go through in one way or another.

Imagine aspiring to be a famous musician but your looks stand in the way and someday it changes and the world now sees you and wants to know more about you, I don't think anyone would want to go back to being the old them. They'd want to keep that new look forever even if it means not having to take a bath forever.

But an important thing to be learnt is being our authentic selves as becoming artificial would not only hurt but will be super embarrassing when the world we so hold up high find out. The same people that said sweet things will be the same people to laugh, repost and say mean things. It's better to become famous while being our authentic selves than to become famous wearing a mask.

The film is visually pleasing, with good songs that seemed like I curated them myself, lively characters and good storyline.

Another thing I got from the movie is that, we all need a friend like Thelma's in our lives. One who sees us, admires us and cheers us on even on bad days. One who shows up, is always happy even for the little wins. One who can try to talk us out when he or she sees that we're about threading a thorny path. We all need that friend and if you have one already, you're in luck. ^{maybe you could share with me.}

I give it a 4.5/5 rating. It's exciting and good enough for kids who're struggling with their identity or finding it difficult to love themselves.