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Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American road film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American road film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri. It stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as two friends whose weekend trip turns into a cross-country flight from the law after a violent incident. The film became a major cultural touchstone and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Plot

The story centres on two friends, Thelma and Louise, whose weekend getaway collapses after a violent crime forces them to flee across the American Southwest. Their journey becomes a police chase and a personal test of loyalty, freedom, and survival.

Production

The film was written by first-time screenwriter Callie Khouri and directed by Ridley Scott. It was filmed in California and Utah in 1990.

Reception and legacy

Thelma & Louise was both controversial and acclaimed at release, especially for its feminist perspective and ending. It later gained classic status in popular culture and is often cited as a landmark road film.

Awards

At the 64th Academy Awards, the film received six nominations and won Best Original Screenplay for Callie Khouri. Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis were both nominated for Best Actress, and Ridley Scott was nominated for Best Director.

Key facts

  • The film follows Thelma Dickinson and Louise Sawyer, two friends whose road trip turns into a flight from the police after Louise kills a man who tried to assault Thelma.
  • It was directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri, whose screenplay won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
  • The lead roles are played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, with supporting performances by Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Christopher McDonald, and Brad Pitt.
  • The film was considered radical and controversial on release for its feminist themes and ending.
  • It became a critical and commercial success and is widely regarded as an influential road movie.
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Canadian context

The film remains well known in Canada through television, home video, and retrospective coverage, including CBC discussion of its cultural impact and enduring recognition.[11]

Frequently asked questions

What is Thelma & Louise about?
It follows two friends whose road trip turns into a dangerous escape after Louise kills a man who tried to assault Thelma.
Who directed Thelma & Louise?
The film was directed by Ridley Scott.
Who wrote Thelma & Louise?
The screenplay was written by Callie Khouri.
When was Thelma & Louise released?
It premiered at Cannes on May 20, 1991, and opened in the United States on May 24, 1991.
Did Thelma & Louise win any Oscars?
Yes. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Callie Khouri.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Thelma-and-Louise
    Supports: Film identity, director, writers, themes, controversy, and status as a classic road movie.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelma_%26_Louise
    Supports: Release dates, cast, filming locations, awards, and Cannes premiere.
  3. CBC Radio — https://www.cbc.ca/radio/q/thelma-and-louise-revisited-six-things-you-didn-t-know-about-the-classic-movie-1.4201995
    Supports: Plot overview, cultural recognition, and iconic ending.