Cast: June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg
Genre: Action, Comedy
Director: Josh Margolin
In Irish Cinemas: 19th July 2024
Fred Hechinger, Clark Gregg, Parker Posey, and the late Richard Roundtree are featured in Josh Margolin’s film, which tells the story of an elderly widow pursuing the scammer who deceived her. The movie “Thelma,” written and directed by Josh Margolin, is inspired by a real-life incident where a scammer impersonating Margolin nearly swindles money from his grandmother. This personal experience fuels the narrative of his debut feature. In the movie, the titular character, Thelma, played with warmth, humour, and indomitable spirit by the wonderful June Squibb is a 93-year-old who falls victim to a $10,000 scam. Despite being duped, Thelma is not one to accept the loss. Her family may underestimate her resolve, but Thelma is determined to take matters into her own hands and seek justice.
This scenario creates an enjoyable and understated comedy that seamlessly incorporates action and thriller elements, unfolding like a caper. The twist is that the senior citizen, defying expectations by pursuing criminals, stands firmly on the side of justice. Her simple desire is for people to be kind and to do the right thing. The film thoughtfully explores themes of ageing and autonomy with a mostly light-hearted approach. It highlights the protagonist’s strong argument for the enduring spirit of elderly individuals, frequently infantilised by society and their families.
Apart from Squibb, one of the standout talents in this captivating cast is Fred Hechinger, who delivered a remarkable performance in the first season of *The White Lotus*. (By the way, Mike White, there’s still time to develop a spinoff series focusing on Quinn’s adventures with the Hawaiian canoe paddlers and his parents’ attempts to bring him back home.) In this production, Hechinger portrays Daniel, Thelma’s devoted grandson. He is introduced in the opening scene, patiently assisting her with a tangle of emails, subtly highlighting her technological challenges and setting the stage for their endearing relationship.
Daniel finds himself in a rut, unemployed and lacking direction, with his self-esteem shattered since his girlfriend, Coral Peña, decided to put their relationship on hold. Reflecting on his situation, he laments, “I’m just not sure what my selling points are right now.” Despite his struggles, Daniel takes his self-appointed role as his grandmother’s “guardian angel” very seriously. This makes it even more devastating when she becomes the victim of a phone scam and subsequently goes missing under his watch. This incident sends his parents, Gail (Parker Posey) and Alan (Clark Gregg), into a state of panic. They are deeply concerned not only for Gail’s mother’s safety but also for Daniel’s fragile mental health, which seems to be deteriorating under the weight of these events.
Despite her unsteady gait and constant fear of falling, Thelma is anything but helpless. She is a dynamic character who transitions seamlessly from one activity to another. One moment, she’s engrossed in needlepoint while watching TV, appreciating Tom Cruise’s iconic sprint in “Mission: Impossible — Fallout.” The next, she’s attempting a bold escape from her assisted living facility, commandeering the mobility scooter of her late husband’s friend, Ben (played by Richard Roundtree). Ben, however, catches her just in time. Being the polite man he is, he refuses to let her embark on this dangerous journey alone. Together, they set off across the vast expanse of Los Angeles, determined to reach the post-box address where she sent the money.
Much of the movie’s appeal lies in the buddy-comedy dynamic of Thelma and Ben’s escapades on the road. Thelma, fiercely determined to maintain her independence, experiences a bittersweet mixture of longing for her late husband and relishing the newfound freedom of being alone for the first time in her life. In stark contrast, Ben openly accepts their old age and the limitations that come with it, candidly stating, “We’re not what we were.” He appreciates the safety and social engagement offered by the retirement home, which helps him combat loneliness.
Margolin’s writing occasionally ventures into self-consciously cute territory, but it is frequently genuinely touching. This emotional resonance is bolstered by the easygoing chemistry between Squibb and Roundtree and the playful banter between their characters. Thelma’s sharpness and the mischievous sparkle in her eyes are effectively balanced by Ben’s gentle nature, especially when she faces physical challenges. The interplay between their distinct personalities creates a compelling, heartfelt dynamic that enhances the narrative.
Their journey to recover Thelma’s money is invigorated by Nick Chuba’s dynamic score, which features a retro flair. The music subtly references Lalo Schifrin’s iconic Mission: Impossible theme and pays homage to Richard Roundtree’s legacy from the original Shaft movies with a distinct ‘70s blaxploitation vibe. Ben, the character portrayed by Roundtree, serves as a heartfelt farewell role for the veteran actor, who passed away last October. Adding to the film’s depth, Malcolm McDowell makes a late appearance as a dubious character, highlighting another facet of the challenges that come with ageing.
Despite equipping Thelma 1with a gun and a customised hearing-aid phone app akin to spy gadgetry, Margolin maintains plausibility in drawing parallels to Ethan Hunt. Even a playful nod to the classic action hero trope of casually walking away from an explosion is rooted more in character development than genre conventions. The film emphasises Thelma’s inherent resourcefulness as her most potent asset. This enables her to outpace the frantic Gail and Alan, confront challenges with composure, and seek help from Daniel only when necessary.
Squibb and Eichinger subtly portray the reciprocal confidence boost shared between the grandmother and grandson, bringing genuine warmth to the modest film. “Thelma” is sweet and poignant, managing to be sentimental without crossing into sappiness. Additionally, the fact that this film provides Squibb with the first leading role of her seven-decade career makes it particularly rewarding to watch.
Overall: 8/10
Movie Reviewer
