Thelma & Louise (1991)

I have had this classic on my watchlist for probably a decade now (goes to show how little these lists actually mean) and I can't believe it took me so long to watch it. Just as this movie was ahead its time in depicting how the female predicament under the patriarchy, both individually and institutionally, the unapologetic rebellion by the two leads is equally cathartic, furious, and liberating. The last twenty minutes? Pure perfection. 

So many scenes I loved. It's obviously very hard to beat that ending scene, but my favorite was when Thelma formally declares that there is no going back to the life she had before. "Something’s like ... crossed over in me and I can’t go back." In just a few days, she lost almost everything she once held dear, but she says this not with fear or grief, but with lightness, almost joy, even though she and Louise both know they don't really have a future where they are going. I've always found comfort in seeing characters I've come to love thrive after total loss. It's a reminder to myself that the weight you carry is not permanent and that the sky will not fall if you drop it. It's not an easy thing to remember so I'll take as many reminders as I get. 

But ultimately, this story belonged to Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. The soulfulness they each bring to Louise and Thelma - and the chemistry between them - is what makes this movie as tender, radiant, electric and heart-rending as it is. This movie will be 35 years old next year, and I bet there are going to be anniversary screenings, who's going with me?