‘Thelma Review: June Squibb Takes Charge In Sweet, Spirited Action Movie For Seniors

Josh Margolin was inspired by a scam experience in which a fake caller almost succeeded in extorting money from his grandmother, who had called Thelma , the writer-director's first comedy. Contrary to the real situation, the 93-year-old character, played with incredible warmth, humor and tenacity by the wonderful June Skoob, falls into the trap and loses $10,000 out of his pocket before he has time to do so. to reflect on. But Thelma Post is not the type of woman to avoid an unpleasant incident, even if her family underestimates her.

This storyline makes for a low-key, enjoyable comedy, with action and thriller elements acting as jokes, even though the captain, who defies expectations by pursuing criminals, is on the side of justice. He just wants people to be good and do what is right. The film tackles issues of aging and independence with ease, its main character resolutely supporting the resilient spirit of older people, often infantilized both by society and those close to them.

One of the main assets in the interesting Squibb showdown is Fred Hechinger, who was terrific in the first season of The White Lotus . (Hey, Mike White, it's not too late to talk about Quinn's life with the Hawaiian canoeists and her people's efforts to bring her home.) Hechinger plays Thelma's beloved nephew Daniel, who patiently recognizes and helps him along the way. The opening scene is an avalanche of emails that define the limits of his computer knowledge.

Daniel is stuck, unemployed and directionless, his self-esteem in a hole because his girlfriend (Coral Pena) ended their relationship; However, he takes his grandmother's informal role as "guardian angel" seriously, which deepens his sense of failure when he falls victim to a phone scam and subsequently disappears while at work. This sends his terrified parents Gail (Parker Posey) and Alan (Clark Gregg) into an uncomfortable spiral, both concerned about their son's mental health and the safety of Gail's mother.

But even though Thelma is unstable and lives in fear of falling, she is far from helpless. Tom Cruise's signature sprint athleticism , one minute as he adjusts the needle while watching TV, admiring the mission. Impossible - Fallout , the next minute she walks out of the assisted care facility where she lives and tries her late husband's friend Ben (Richard Roundtree). Ride his fast scooter. Ben catches her just in time and, being too good to leave her in danger, insists on taking her to the address of the post office box in the greater Los Angeles area where he sent the money.

Much of the film's charm lies in the buddy comedy element of Thelma and Ben's road adventures. Thelma is stubborn and proud to be independent. She misses her husband, but at the same time enjoys the experience of being alone for the first time in her life. On the other hand, Ben readily admits that they are both old and frail; “We are no longer what we were.” She is grateful for the safety the nursing home provides and the activities it offers to keep her from feeling alone.

Margolin's writing is a little cheesy at times, but more often than not it's genuinely engaging, bolstered by the relaxed relationship between Squib and Roundtree and the good-natured bickering between their characters. Thelma's quirks and the mischievous glint in her eyes are well offset by Ben's kindness, especially when he is physically injured.

Their odyssey in search of Thelma's meaning is enlivened by Nick Chuba's sharp, retro score, which subtly nods to Lalo Shiffrin's classic mission. The unlikely theme that pays homage to the story of Roundtree in the original Shaft film. The Smell of the 70s. Ben is a big role for the veteran actor, who died last October. Malcolm McDowell also appears late in the action as a dark character, which however shows another side of the aging battle.

Despite giving Thelma a gun and her version of spy gear in a phone app with a listening device, Margolin keeps Ethan Hunt more or less realistic. Even the cheeky scum is more character-based than the familiar trope of action heroes walking away from explosions. The film makes Thelma's natural bravery her most powerful weapon, allowing her to stay one step ahead of a horrified Gail and Alan, face adversity head-on, and turn to Danielle for help if needed.

The building of mutual trust between grandmother and grandson is beautifully showcased by Squibb and Eichinger, who bring real heart to this modest film. Thelma is sweet and touching, sentimental without being manipulative. It's a satisfying watch, giving Squibb the first major on-screen role of his seven-decade career.