Geena Davis Recalls Critics Saying “Thelma & Louise ”Was a ‘Male-Bashing’ Movie, Dubbed It a ‘Horrible Idea’

In July 2026, Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis revisited the responses to her iconic film, *Thelma & Louise*, during an episode of the Armchair Expert podcast hosted by Dax Shepard. Released in 1991, the film became a cultural touchstone, yet it faced significant backlash at the time of its debut. Davis, now 70, recounted how critics branded the film as “male-bashing” and objected to its bold themes, even as it achieved notable commercial success.

Davis recalled that shortly after *Thelma & Louise* hit the cinemas, she and her co-star Susan Sarandon found themselves on the cover of *Time* magazine. However, this recognition was accompanied by two editorials that condemned the film’s premise. “A lot of the reviewers had a problem with it,” Davis noted, highlighting the sharp divide in critical opinion.

The road drama, directed by Ridley Scott, follows two friends, Thelma and Louise, who embark on a weekend getaway that quickly spirals into a quest for freedom after a violent incident. Over the decades, *Thelma & Louise* has been lauded for its groundbreaking portrayal of female friendship and empowerment. However, as Davis reflected on the initial reception, it became clear that many early critics failed to understand the film’s core message.

Addressing the criticisms of male-bashing, Davis pointedly remarked that the narrative does not vilify men. Instead, she asserted the presence of a diverse range of male characters within the story, saying, “There’s seven important male characters.” This observation is crucial in contextualising the film; while it focuses on the female experience, it does not disregard male representation.

The backlash to *Thelma & Louise* also stemmed from its bold narrative choices, particularly the portrayal of two women taking charge of their own destinies with firearms in hand. “It was really frowned on,” Davis recalled, noting how the film’s strong assertions of female agency proved controversial in its time. Nonetheless, despite the mixed critical reviews, the film resonated powerfully with audiences, fuelling its success at the box office.

Following its release, *Thelma & Louise* grossed nearly three times its production budget, a remarkable feat that underscored its popularity. Additionally, both Davis and Sarandon received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress, highlighting the film’s artistic merit and the powerful performances of its leads.

Reflecting three decades after the film’s release, Davis expressed her pride in *Thelma & Louise* and its impact on cinema. Despite the initial negative responses from some quarters, the film carved out a lasting legacy, influencing filmmakers and audiences alike, and contributing to evolving discussions around gender representation in Hollywood.

As more contemporary debates emerge regarding women’s roles in film and the portrayal of gender dynamics, *Thelma & Louise* remains an essential reference point. Geena Davis’s insights into the film’s challenges and triumphs serve as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality in the film industry.

In an age where discussions surrounding female empowerment and representation are more prominent than ever, *Thelma & Louise* continues to inspire. The film stands as a testament to the trials and triumphs faced not just by the characters within it but also by women in the film industry striving to have their stories told. Through her retrospective, Davis reaffirms the importance of narratives that challenge societal norms and the significance of perspectives that celebrate female resilience and autonomy.