June Squibb

Fred Hechinger

Richard Roundtree

Parker Posey

Clark Gregg

Malcolm McDowell

Nicole Byer

Coral Peña

Hilda Boulware

Chase Kim

Carol Cetrone

Sheila Korsi

Annie O'Donnell

Zoë Worth

David Giuliani

Ruben Rabasa

Quinn Beswick

Bunny Levine

Annie Korzen

Ivy Jones

Sandra Lee Gimpel

Aidan Fiske

Thelma Post

Paul LeClair

Nick Chuba

Brielle Hubert

Sandy Hubshman

Amanda Wing Yee Lee

Denise Baker

Desiree Falcon

Justin Hogan

Chelsea Tummolo

Armando Macias

Grant Meuers

Ryan Sturz

Quinn Early

Sean Groves

Andrew J. Neis

Heidi Pascoe

Molly Hans

Nathan Ruyle

Gian Marco Ettisberger

Tori Jimenez Kannegieter

Robert Louis Howley

Michael Stevenson

Parker Brooks

Aaron Gantt

Edgar Gomez

Nate Thomson

Auston Mahan

Olivia Salinas

Simon Astall

Matt Toth

Hunter Kist

Luke Sirimongkhon

Jesse Martinez

Andrea Bond

Victoria Payne

Melanie Young

June Brickman

Mike Miller

Emma Berliner

Dante Pasquinelli

Ryan Zum Mallen

Scott Hedrick

Ciara Boniface

Jeremy Gerke

Autumn Sanders

Jasmine Kimble

Josh Margolin

Jamie Ember

David Bolen

Nicholas Weinstock

Viviana Vezzani

Karl Spoerri

Benjamin Simpson

Chris Kaye

Tobias Gutzwiller

Kat Barnette

Marco Solis Chavez

Jules Sylvester

Action

Comedy

Adventure

Drama

Thelma

Zurich Avenue

Invention Studios

Bandwagon

Switzerland

United States of America

Brent Marchant

According to playwright David Mamet, “Age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance.” And, if 93-year-old Thelma Post (June Squibb) has anything to say about it in this fact-based action-comedy-drama, you can take that notion to the bank. In this story of a spry but sometimes-gullible widowed retiree living on her own, we watch – often in jaw-dropping awe – a feisty, independently minded senior determined to get her money back when she’s scammed out of her funds in a phone-based phishing scheme. Thelma says nothing about her plan to her family (Fred Hechinger, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg), who are already concerned about her ability to continue living on her own, and recruits the assistance of a wily old friend (Richard Roundtree) to join her in her quest to retrieve the stolen cash. The result is an uproarious farce featuring humor that’s clearly outlandish but never implausible or over the top. But there’s more to this offering than laughs – the sight of capable, underestimated elderly folks taking charge over their lives (and, in the case of this picture, even performing their own stunts!) is truly inspiring. This is backed by a potent, poignant (though never preachy) underlying look at what it’s like to grow old and the losses that come with it, a bittersweet meditation on the inevitable changes that come with age and how all too quickly they arrive, material that’s deftly and often philosophically interwoven with the comedy. Director Josh Margolin’s debut feature represents an impressive premiere for the writer-actor, featuring a superbly penned, well-balanced, evenly paced script relating the experiences of his own 103-year-old grandmother, who’s still alive and kicking and whose real-life home was used as one of the film’s principal movie sets. It’s also a triumph for 94-year-old Squibb in her career’s first-ever lead role, one worthy of Oscar contention that effectively depicts a wide-ranging talent that’s been bottled up for far too long. And the film is a fine showcase for Roundtree in his final feature film performance, one in which we see him in a different light from many of his previous roles and in which he’s perfectly matched with his cunning co-star. My only issue with the picture is with the portrayal of Thelma’s family, in which the development of its three principals never comes off quite right, seemingly reaching for something that doesn’t gel properly, an aspect of the narrative that clearly could have used some further refinement. Otherwise, though, “Thelma” (or “Thelmaf” as it was known in an alternate version of the title) is one of the funniest, best produced releases that I’ve seen in quite some time. So hop on your scooter and get your behind to see this one – or else.

CinemaSerf

Grandma "Thelma" (June Squibb) is rather cruelly fleeced by a man pretending that her beloved grandson "Daniel" (Fred Hechinger) has been in a car accident with a pregnant women. $10,000 lighter her family realise she's been scammed and she is having none of it. Recruiting her pal "Ben" (Richard Roundtree) - or, more accurately, car-napping his mobility scooter, she escapes from the protective custody of her family and sets off to find the culprit. Squibb and Roundtree are obviously having great fun here as the pair embark on an engaging series of geriatric adventures that illustrate, clearly, that though the body may be weak the spirit is very much alive and kicking - and you know you're in for a decent denouement with Malcolm McDowell in the starting line-up too. I thought Hechinger tried a bit too hard here, but there is still something enjoyable about his at times rather theatrical performance and his dynamic with the charming and formidably ingenious Squibb. Clark Gregg and Parker Posey make up the rest of the family and quite entertainingly shine a light on the problems of parents dealing with an elderly relative - about whom they do, genuinely, care, whilst also trying to live their own lives and keep an eye on a son who has, just to make matters slightly worse, recently split from the love of his life. It does have a bit of a wobble for ten minutes towards the end as it struggles a little to make a point about the stupidity of the bloody-minded but for the most part there's a good deal to giggle at as the pair go along. You probably won't recall this for long after you watch it, but it's a good laugh that just confirmed what I've thought for ages. Those buggies need a lane of their own!

If it was created with a different set of sensibilities, Thelma could’ve easily been a cheap shot at seniors (and a forgettable experience). Imagine a sitcom-style movie with stale gags about how oldies can lose their marbles, their temper, or their bladder control. A film built around a character that’s there purely to be laughed at.

Instead, we’re laughing with Thelma Post, and at the assumptions and stereotypes about the elder community that she pierces, one by one, and undermines. It’s great writing, brought to life by an ace June Squibb, firing on all cylinders. Together, they create a poignant reminder that even at 93 – perhaps especially at 93 – you’ve earned the right to maintain your independence and dignity. And maybe set off an explosion or two.

Read our full Guide to THELMA at good.film: https://good.film/guide/thelma-makes-you-rethink-your-grandmas-use-by-date

English

Zuckenborg

Scam Call

Rapid-fire Questions with June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Clark Gregg, and Josh Margolin

Don't F*ck with June Squibb

Cutdown 30''

June Squibb Meets Thelma Post

June Squibb Reads Cinema's Greatest Action Lines

Certified Fresh

Filmmakers Josh Margolin, Zoë Worth and Chris Kaye Discuss Their New Film THELMA

Los Angeles Q&A with June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Clark Gregg, Nicole Byer, & Josh Margolin