Art is often inspired by real people and events, and this is especially true in Josh Margolin’s Thelma. The film sees a 93 year old Thelma (June Squibb) duped by scammers pretending to be her grandson Danny (Fred Hechinger). This idea was born after Margolin’s own grandmother Thelma, aged 103, almost met the same fate. Thelma presents a fictionalised account of the story in which the scammers pull off their con. However, not one to be easily had, Thelma channels her inner action hero and sets off on an adventure to take the crooks to task.
Viewing so close to The Beekeeper, one can’t help but see the early comparisons of a plot focused on scammers getting their comeuppance. The two films go about achieving the goal in very different ways. The Jason Statham movie follows the action star kicking and punching his way through the bad guys. In Thelma, it is a more cerebral battle as she works to locate the con artists, resulting in a more jovial escapade as she enlists the help of a friend with a mobility scooter to travel there.
Delightfully charming, Thelma has birthed a new action hero for the aged.
Although pitched as an action comedy, Thelma has far more dramatic beats as it explores the ageing process. Although 93, Thelma is exceptionally spry and coherent. She is a role model for the retired everywhere, and whilst she might not be doing roundhouse kicks, she remains a hero to aspire to be. Her adventure is charming and June Squibb is exceptional in the role. Squibb communicates the essence of everyone’s grandmother, meaning that the audience instantly root for her. Early scenes between Thelma and Danny are warm and affectionate, the pair bonding whilst watching Mission Impossible: Fallout. Their chemistry is organic and they portray the ultimate grandchild and grandparent goals.
With writer and director Josh Margolin inspired by his own grandmother, Thelma is an incredibly respectful film. An elderly woman taking on the bad guys could have been played very differently. Rather than make Thelma the butt of jokes, she is empowered. Even though tricked by the scammers, she is never portrayed as a victim. Although inspired by love, it is an important representation for the age demographic. A film filled with jovial joy, Thelma proves that if you remain young at heart, old age will never trap you.
Thelma
Summary
Delightfully charming, Thelma has birthed a new action hero for the aged.
Thelma was reviewed at Sundance 2024.
