Thelma ★★★★

Released: 19 July 2024

Director: Josh Margolin

Starring: June Squibb, Fred Hechinger

Even at the age of 94, June Squibb is hard at work. From her early roles in Scent of a Woman and The Age of Innocence to her Oscar-nominated, scene-stealing turn in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska, she has proven that she can be the sweet old lady with the razor-sharp tongue. Yet despite being in lots of well-known works such as The Big Bang Theory, Grey’s Anatomy and Toy Story 4, comedy crime caper Thelma – the directorial debut of filmmaker Josh Margolin – sees Squibb in her first lead role.

Inspired by Margolin’s grandmother, the film follows Thelma Post (Squibb), a ninety-something widow living on her own but is regularly visited by grandson Danny (Fred Hechinger). One day, she gets a call saying that Danny is in jail and she needs to post $10,000 to bail him out. She does so, but when Thelma eventually realises she has been scammed, she takes it upon herself to get her money back.

Thelma is a typical old lady – wise, adorable and incredibly stubborn. She openly questions why she got scammed for no reason but is quick to become inspired (thanks to Tom Cruise) to get back what is hers. This determination and an unspoken need to prove her independence see her defy everyone, even her loved ones, who are overly worried about her well-being rather than the fact that she has been robbed – and ultimately uses her wits and innocent appearance to venture on in her quest.

But what makes Thelma different from other crime comedies is its emphasis on the perils of getting older. In other films, getting old comes across as an excuse not to over-exert oneself. But Margolin’s feature treats the fear of getting older with sensitivity and occasional quirkiness. Through Thelma and her friend Ben (Richard Roundtree), there is a fear of life not being the same as when they were younger – friends are dying or losing themselves to old age, there’s a notable lack of physical and mental independence, and you’re on the receiving end of anxious family members. Through quiet supporting characters and restrictive settings such as a retirement home and a neglected house, Margolin shapes the narrative that puts Thelma as an unlikely but determined heroine, ultimately making her all the more endearing.

Through his screenplay, Margolin highlights the characters’ generational differences through a perceived lack of independence. There is a focus on fitness trackers, social media and the internet throughout the film – modern concepts that older generations occasionally find hard to grasp. But here, this provides a bridge for Thelma and Danny, as well as Danny and his parents, who try and use tech to keep track of their family – whether they want to or not – with comedic consequences.

Thelma‘s simplicity and charm are anchored by the eponymous heroine. In a role built for Squibb. Thelma’s no-nonsense wisecracks are hilarious and reflect a spunkiness that the actress carries off flawlessly. In his final film role, Shaft actor Richard Roundtree’s Ben is the perfect foil for the headstrong Thelma as his practical mentality and quiet thirst for adventure spurs his friend’s quest. All the while their mutual cautiousness makes their partnership lovely to watch, which proves that they have each other’s back despite their mutual stubbornness. Hechinger’s Danny is also a watchable supporting character as he patiently supports his grandmother yet quietly reflects on his regrets about love and ambition.

Visually, David Bolen’s cinematography of urban and natural landscapes around California resonates with the simple things that easily go unmixed, resonating with the plights of the older generation. Meanwhile, Margolin reinforces Thelma’s humour through his witty script and OAP-friendly stunts, where rolling over beds and scooter chases are more entertaining than the film’s high-speed car dashes and an unexpected collision.

Margolin’s first directorial feature is a charming vehicle that allows Squibb to shine as a leading lady. It marks a refreshing change from the traditional high-octane summer blockbuster but Thelma is just as entertaining.