‘Thelma’ Review
June Squibb and Fred Hechinger as Grandmother and Grandson in an action film for the ages, ‘Thelma’
June Squibb becomes the most versatile movie star of our time in the action-packed, hilariously sweet, and beautifully brilliant, ‘Thelma’
Oscar-nominated actress, June Squibb takes a dramatic turn from films like Nebraska (for which she was nominated), to a wholesome and hilarious adventure about taking back what was stolen from her. The now 94-year-old actress is not to be messed with, and it shows.
When a 93-year-old grandma named Thelma (June Squibb) gets tricked by a phone scammer pretending to be her Grandson, she begins her quest to find out who took it, and reclaim what was taken from her. We follow Thelma as she embarks on a journey of reclamation, all while battling the harsh realities of getting older. The film depicts the struggle of elderly friends and even takes a dramatic turn when our protagonist falls.
The character Thelma is based off Writer-Director Josh Margolin’s real life Grandmother, the real Thelma, and June Squibb plays her marvelously. She sets out on this sweet and silly quest with the help of her friend Ben (Richard Roundtree), and of course, his scooter. All while Thelma’s Grandson (Fred Hechinger), Daughter (Parker Posey), and son in law (Clark Gregg) struggle to find their missing family member.
Before Thelma takes on this quest however, she overhears her family talking about how she can’t do it alone, how she needs to be moved to a retirement home, like her friend. Squibb’s character is determined to prove this wrong, but along the way finds that doing it alone is no way to do it. She’s been alone since her husband’s passing, the same with Ben who’s wife has passed too. She realizes the importance of being together, of help, and how asking for it is not a sign of weakness, rather a sign that you’ve accepted the truth, you’re old.
All this to say, June Squibb can do anything, and just like Thelma, has no problem taking back the narrative and becoming an Action star at the ripe age of 93. The film is home to so much beauty. It explores the possibility of death, elderly friends who just can’t take care of themselves anymore, but also so much joy and creativity as well. ‘Thelma’ is not afraid to be funny and wholesome, yet resonant and bittersweet all at once.
★★★★
By Ryan Nicolas
