The film premiered at the Norwegian International Film Festival on 20 August 2017. "Thelma" held its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival as a Special Presentation on 9 September 2017. It premiered in the United States at Fantastic Fest on 21 September 2017, and screened at the New York Film Festival as a Main Slate selection on 6 October 2017. It premiered in the United Kingdom at the BFI London Film Festival as a Cult Gala presentation on 14 October 2017. "Thelma" was released in theatres in Norway on 15 September 2017.