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Thale

Name: Thale
Director: Aleksander Nordaas
Released: 2012
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2012

Director

Aleksander Nordaas

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Thale is a folk horror film set in 1852 Norway that emphasizes mythological atmosphere over diverse representation. Its lack of diversity stems from the historical setting, resulting in a homogeneous cast and absence of LGBTQ+ characters. The film stands out by challenging traditional gender roles. Instead of a typical survival story led by men, the narrative focuses on the huldra and critiques the scientific and exploitative tendencies of the male characters. It uses the supernatural to question human authority. Ultimately, the film prioritizes a critique of colonialist and extractive behaviors over broad social representation, using the huldra to highlight the fragility of human societal norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does Thale have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. The social structure is based on traditional 19th-century Norwegian customs.

How does Thale portray gender?

Fair

Thale is the main character who disrupts traditional power dynamics. The film challenges male dominance by showing the male characters as flawed and morally questionable.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Thale?

Minimal

The cast is deliberately uniform to match the 1852 Norwegian setting. There is no indication of racial diversity or color-blind casting.

How does Thale represent religion and culture?

Good

The story criticizes Western exploitation by presenting the hunters' desire to exploit the huldra as a form of commodification. It questions the moral superiority of so-called civilized societies.

Does Thale include disability representation?

Fair

The huldra’s unique physical characteristics explore themes of difference. However, these mythical traits primarily serve as plot devices rather than nuanced representations of disability.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on the female mythological figure.
Offers a sophisticated critique of Western colonialist and extractive practices.
Disrupts the 'stable male leader' cliché by depicting men as irrational and obsessed.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
Maintains a highly homogeneous cast due to its specific historical setting.
Uses physical differences as mythological plot devices rather than nuanced disability portrayals.

Official Synopsis

Norwegian folklore turns out to be real when Leo and Elvis encounter a girl called Thale in a basement. A regular cleaning job turns into a struggle for survival, while they're trying to figure out what or who Thale is. Could Thale be a huldra? A seductive forest spirit who appears from the front to be a beautiful young woman, but who also has a cow's tale and whose back appears to be like a hollowed out tree. The huldra has been known to offer rewards to those who satisfy them sexually, while death to those who fail to do so and are also prone to stealing human babies.

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