Thelma the Unicorn

Thelma the Unicorn - 2024

IMDB RATINGS: 7.5

Based on the beloved children's book by Aaron Blabey, Thelma the Unicorn (2024) is a vivid, glitter-filled animated musical that delivers laughter, catchy tunes, and a significant message about being true to yourself. Under direction Jared Hess and Lynn Wang and brought to life by Netflix Animation, the film combines humor, heart, and sparkles into a wonderful viewing experience for both children and families.

The narrative focuses on Thelma, a modest pony hoping for musical glory. She performs in a country band with her best friends Otis and Reggie; although they enjoy doing, they have trouble getting noticed. Her life changes overnight when Thelma paints herself pink, straps a carrot to her head, and accidentally comes across as a real unicorn. She becomes an instant celebrity—glamorous, beloved, and thrown into the universe of fame she has always imagined.

But as Thelma's star rises, the glitter causes her actual self to fade. She longues for the small pleasures of being herself and spending time with her actual friends behind the gloss and glamor. Perfectness's pressures, the demands of the spotlight, and the sensation of being "fake" start to wear on you. Thelma has to decide whether to keep the lie or go back to her roots—and her true identity—when her secret is finally discovered to the world.

Visually, the movie is vibrant and audacious, with a whimsical animation technique evocative of a picture book. The musical numbers are fun and toe-tapping; the character designs are delightful and full of personality. While stressing the ideas of self-worth, friendship, and inner beauty, every song aids in forward movement of the narrative.

Particularly Brittany Howard as Thelma, the voice actors display warmth and humor. Thelma's songs and emotional moments get richness from Howard's musical ability. Will Forte, Jemaine Clement, and Edi Patterson among others provide plenty of laughs and heart to the supporting cast.

Although the humor mostly relies on comedy and over-the-top celebrity parody, it is still appropriate for children and offers several moments that both adults and kids will find really funny. Making it relevant and relatable, the movie also gently mocks fame culture, internet obsession, and the way we criticize people based just on appearances.

For its target audience, Thelma the Unicorn offers an interesting and glittering ride; some elements of the narrative, particularly for older viewers, seem a bit routine. When Thelma accepts her actual self, the emotional reward at the end is sweet, confirming, and most likely will make viewers smile.

Overall, Thelma the Unicorn is a delightful and glittering musical that inspires children to be themselves. It teaches that no amount of glitter can replace honesty, kindness, and friendship; real beauty comes from inside.

Key Takeaway for Kids

Young children can learn a valuable life lesson from Thelma the Unicorn: you cannot become special by changing who you are. Thelma believes at first that she must be a unicorn—something magical and ideal—to be appreciated and noticed. However, even if the world is supporting you, assuming to be someone you are not can cause loneliness as she discovers.

Children should be reminded in the film that dream big is normal; but, never forget who you are. More importantly than trying to fit someone else's definition of "perfect" is being kind, honest, and true to yourself. The path Thelma travels reveals that true friends will love you for you, not for your appearance or fame.

It also lets children consider popularity and celebrity. Being famous can seem exciting, but it can also bring pressure and expectations that are not always manageable. Children discover from Thelma's challenges that happiness comes from being comfortable in your own skin and surrounding yourself with loving people—not from attention.

Thelma the Unicorn is ultimately a celebration of genuineness, self-love, and the delight of being exactly who you are—not just glitter and songs. It helps children realize they already are amazing and they don't have to pretend to be magical creatures.