An unlikely action hero can be a lot of fun. There might not be a more unlikely one in 2024 than June Squibb, but that’s just what she is in Thelma, a tale of a grandmother taking back what’s hers. An action-comedy hybrid that gives a senior citizen her very own revenge tale? Yep, it’s as good as it sounds, too. The film is a low level blast.
Thelma shows not just that a bit of cleverness can go a long way, but also that we should never put performers into a box due to their age. You wouldn’t expect a star vehicle for Squibb in her 90s to begin with, but a mix of action and comedy that explicitly references the Mission: Impossible franchise? It sounds like a dream, but once you see it, you’ll know that this movie is just a dream come true.
Thelma Post (Squibb) lives a fairly simple life ever since she lost her husband. Her grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger) comes by a lot to help her with the computer, hang out, and just be a good egg. She doesn’t hear too well anymore and occasionally gets confused, but for a 93 year old, she’s doing just fine. One day, after Daniel heads home, she gets a call from someone pretending to be him, scamming her into thinking he’s been in an accident. Suspicious initially but too worried about him to really consider things, she sends off some money, scaring her daughter Gail (Parker Posey) and her husband Alan (Clark Gregg) in the process. When they all figure out that she’s been taken for a ride, they start to think if she needs to be put into a home. Embarrassed, Thelma has other plans.
While Alan and Gail are hounding Daniel about his life choices, Thelma takes the opportunity to begin an investigation. Stealing a ride from her friend Ben (Richard Roundtree), he eventually joins her on this mission. As they navigate the clues and begin to bond again, they actually manage to sniff out a lead or two. I won’t say what ends up happening, but it’s deeply satisfying, to say the least, and even touching.
June Squibb gets the role of a lifetime at 93 and runs with it. Getting to play age appropriate, she’s funny, sad, and always captivating. The late Richard Roundtree is just as good, with the two of them having impeccable chemistry. She’s relishing this opportunity, while he is having so much fun. It’s a pleasure to watch them in action, even if she’s in it more than he is. Clark Gregg, Fred Hechinger, and Parker Posey are less memorable, though Hechinger does get some nice moments with Squibb. Supporting players include Nicole Byer, Aidan Fiske, Malcolm McDowell, Ruben Rabasa, and more, but Squibb is the star.
Writer/director Josh Margolin puts such a lovely little spin on the genre here, clearly wanting to honor his grandmother, but also just wanting to tell a good story. It’s a revenge tale on par with any of late, but the action and comedy are all done in such a way befitting characters closer to the century mark than any other potential action heroes. Things run a bit long and there isn’t a ton of style on display, but Margolin has the goods with Thelma when it comes to fun. Entertainment value? That’s through the roof here.
Thelma is a delight. The premise certainly sounds appealing, with the execution landing in a big way. This is a genuine crowd-pleaser of the first order. As far as summer counter-programming goes, this is the kind of flick that deserves to be a hit. Don’t miss this one!
SCORE: ★★★