There is a sense of humor and lightness that comes with the idea of an unpredictable action hero. But in June Squibb, we may not see an actor more fitting for that role in 2024. She plays the role of a grandmother seeking vengeance in ‘Thelma’ as that is the focus of the film. So, an action comedy film featuring an elderly woman getting revenge .It is indeed as fantastic as it appears to be. The movie turned out to be a big hit.
Thelma, on the other hand, says more than just clever writing is sometimes necessary or that we should not typecast our performers based on their age. One would not expect Squibb to headline a film in her nineties. Further, one would also think a movie that parodies the Impossible Mission Force would never be made. However, this film is what they envisioned and it will make you understand how this is an incredible film.
The life of Thelma Post (Squibb) is relatively uncomplicated since the death of her husband. Her grandson, Daniel (Fred Hechinger), visits regularly to assist her with the computer, to offer companionship, and for her to see him as her good grandson. She hardly hears anything now and once in a while gets confused but for a 93 year old woman, she’s quite alright. One day, after she has seen off Daniel, some shocked woman calls her pretending to be her grandson and convinces her that he is injured in an accident. Although she is more concerned than actually in believing such things at the time, she does part with some money, which irritates her daughter Gails (Parker Posey) and her husband Alan (Clark Gregg) in the process. When they all learn that Thelma has been duped for money, they start thinking whether she is old enough to be resorted to homes for the old. Embarrassed, Thelma has different plans.
Even as Alan and Gail keep pestering Daniel as if he was a stubborn mule, Thelma decides to take matters into her own hands. She goes chasing after her friend Ben (Richard Roundtree), who later comes along with her on the expedition. As they work on the puzzles and start their love affair again, they even get to discover one or two leads. I shall not reveal what finally takes place but it is sure rewarding and yes, even emotional as well.
June Squibb is the luckiest woman getting an iconic role in her 93 and she’s all for it. It’s amusing to watch an actress of her age be able to add humor, sorrow and all other sorts of emotions while just appearing on screen. The same goes for Richard Roundtree who already passed away, as these two simply complement each other. She is a happy woman while he is a funny man. It is amusing to see actors do their thing, even if she is more active than him. He’s one of the two unmemorable supporting players, Clark Gregg being the other, who should be credited for screenwriter Fred Hechinger’s lively interactions with Squibb. Nicole Byer, Malcolm McDowell, Ruben Rabasa, Aidan Fiske and others round off the cast whilst Squibb is the undeniable focal point.
The genre gets an interesting twist as writer/director Josh Margolin almost seems to pay homage to his grandma and primarily wants to craft an engaging plot. It is a revenge story like any other in the recent years, but everything from the actions and comedy is orchestrated in a manner more suitable for heroes in their nineties as opposed to anyone else who can potentially be an action hero. The length is probably overboard and there is a lack of stylistic elements, however, in terms of enjoyment, Thelma was definitely in the right hands in the case of Margolin. Entertainment value. That’s through a roof over here.
Thelma is a treasure to watch. More so, the plot does sound interesting as the end result does not disappoint. It is undoubtedly a siren of the most hearty audience crowd. Well summer is a good time for shot that shifts the paradigm and in such this is the kind of film that must succeed. Do not miss this one!
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