REVIEW: “Thelma” (2024)

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours poring over films from the golden age of cinema to the latest indie releases, I must confess that “Thelma” is a gem that deserves a place among the best of them. Much like the film’s titular character, it is a delightful surprise that left me with a warm heart and a smile on my face.


How have I missed out on such a significant cinematic treat of the year? Just like its titular protagonist “Thelma,” this film is nothing short of charming. The creative mind behind it, Josh Margolin, drew inspiration from his own grandmother, Thelma Post, who recently turned 104. He modeled his lead character on her and even based the early plot on a true event that happened to his grandmother.

Among all candidates, the vibrant 95-year-old June Squibb seems ideal for portraying Thelma Post, a delightfully charismatic elderly woman. She spends her days engaged in activities like cross-stitching, enjoying YouTube videos, and attempting to master the Facebook app on her mobile device. Her grandson Danny ( skillfully played by Fred Hechinger) is always around to lend a hand at home and drive her wherever she requires. They share a close bond characterized by his affectionate care for her.

REVIEW: “Thelma” (2024)

The story unfolds as Thelma receives an unexpected phone call, informing her that Danny is imprisoned. The caller demands a sum of $10,000 to be sent via mail to a specific location to secure his release. In haste, Thelma retrieves the money from a secret cache and mails it off. However, upon reaching out to Danny, she comes to understand that she has fallen victim to a scam. Despite following all necessary procedures, she finds herself unable to recover her stolen funds.

Rather than passively enduring her setbacks, Thelma decides to take action and reclaim what rightfully belongs to her, but she must do so secretly as her family disapproves. Since she can’t drive, she turns to her old friend Ben (the iconic Richard Roundtree) who resides in a retirement home and owns a sleek red two-person mobility scooter. With some daring persuasion, Thelma and Ben embark on an adventure across Los Angeles to Van Nuys to confront the swindlers directly.

REVIEW: “Thelma” (2024)

Squibb and Roundtree make a delightful duo, infusing their roles with charm, warmth, and wit. Moreover, Parker Posey plays the overly particular daughter of Thelma named Gail, while Clark Gregg portrays her husband Alan, who is both anxious yet subtly humorous in his role as helicopter parents to Danny. They share a reasonable level of concern along with a sprinkle of amusing exchanges, similar to how they guide Thelma. This results in several comical interactions between them.

Ultimately, this production is a testament to June Squibb’s talent, as she infuses the film with the vitality, warmth, and humor essential for an enjoyable crowd-pleaser. The movie offers her the perfect tools to keep us invested in Thelma’s story and laughing throughout (you won’t want to miss the side-splitting Tom Cruise / “Mission: Impossible” scene). Furthermore, Margolin’s genuine affection for his grandmother is evident in the heartfelt portrayal of Thelma on screen. This emotional connection is what gives “Thelma” its unique charm and makes it such a delightful viewing experience.

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2024-11-26 18:56