Inspired by a real-life experience of director Josh Margolin’s own grandmother, THELMA puts a clever spin on movies like MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, shining the spotlight on an elderly grandmother as an unlikely action hero. With infectious humor, Margolin employs the familiar tropes of the action genre in hilarious, age-appropriate ways to tackle aging with agency. In the first leading film role of her 70-year career, Squibb portrays the strong-willed Thelma with grit and determination, demonstrating that she is more than capable of taking care of business — despite what her daughter Gail (Parker Posey), son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg), or grandson Danny might believe.
REVIEW:
Thelma is a delightful and touching film that blends the realities and comedy of old age. Directed by Josh Margolin, this movie is a tribute to the resilience and spirit of the elderly, capturing their struggles and triumphs with both humor and sensitivity.
The story follows 93-year-old Thelma (June Squibb) who, after falling victim to a phone scam, decides to take matters into her own hands. What ensues is a charming and often hilarious adventure as Thelma, with the help of her grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger) and her old friend Ben (Richard Roundtree), sets out to reclaim her stolen money.
June Squibb shines in the title role, delivering a performance that is both endearing and powerful. Squibb brings Thelma to life with a perfect balance of feistiness and vulnerability, making her character relatable and lovable. Her portrayal captures the essence of a woman who refuses to be defined by her age, showcasing her determination and wit in every scene.
Richard Roundtree, in his final film appearance, is equally impressive as Ben. Roundtree’s performance is a beautiful blend of humor and warmth, providing a perfect foil to Squibb’s Thelma. His portrayal of Ben is nuanced and heartfelt, adding depth to the film’s exploration of friendship and aging.
Thelma succeeds in portraying the complexities of old age without resorting to stereotypes or condescension. The film’s humor is both gentle and sharp, often finding comedy in the everyday challenges faced by its elderly characters. Margolin’s direction ensures that the laughs never come at the expense of the characters’ dignity, instead highlighting their resilience and resourcefulness.
Thelma gets a 3.5/5 ora B+. it’s streaming on Hulu.
CREDITS:
Directed by
Josh Margolin
Written by
Josh Margolin
Produced by
- Zoë Worth
- Chris Kaye
- Nicholas Weinstock
- Benjamin Simpson
- Karl Spoerri
- Viviana Vezzani
Starring
Cinematography
Edited by
Josh Margolin
Music by
Nick Chuba
Production
companies
- Bandwagon
- Zurich Avenue
- Invention Studios
Distributed by
Release dates
- January 18, 2024(Sundance)
- June 21, 2024(United States)
Running time
98 minutes[1]
Country
United States
Language
English
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