Film Review

‘Nika and Madison’: ‘The First Nations Version of ’Thelma & Louise’

While ‘Nika & Madison’ doesn’t end with Thelma & Louise’s martyrdom, it hits harder by spotlighting how Indigenous people still regularly deal with abuse.
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‘Nika and Madison’: ‘The First Nations Version of ’Thelma & Louise’
Madison (Star Slade) and Nika (Ellyn Jade) on the lam in the bush, in “Nika & Madison.” Game Theory Films
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
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NR | 1h 27m | Drama, Thriller | 2026

“Nika & Madison” is basically a more subdued, Canadian, First Nations, indie version of 1991’s “Thelma & Louise.” While it retains much of the fiery spirit of the Ridley Scott-directed original, it lacks the narrative dynamism, the Hollywood tinsel, and screenwriter Callie Khouri’s zealous feminism championing.
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Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
Mark Jackson is the senior film critic for The Epoch Times and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. Mark earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by classical theater conservatory training, and has 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is featured in the book "How to Be a Film Critic in Five Easy Lessons" by Christopher K. Brooks. In addition to films, he enjoys Harley-Davidsons, rock-climbing, qigong, martial arts, and human rights activism.
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