Thelma and Louise are in the worst possible bind. They’ve killed a man in self-defense and now they’re being tailed by police as they flee to Mexico. To boot, they’ve been robbed of all their money.

Now, Thelma has committed a crime by robbing the store. IF they get caught, they will most assuredly face punishment. 

This is an interesting turning point in that it’s a victory which simultaneously places the heroes in greater jeopardy. What they lose IF they are caught becomes greater. They lose their freedom.