Released in 2024, Thelma is a heartwarming and action-packed film directed by Josh Margolin. Starring June Squibb as the titular character, the movie is a unique blend of comedy, drama, and adventure that explores themes of aging, independence, and the enduring spirit of resilience. Inspired by true events, Thelma tells the story of a 93-year-old grandmother who embarks on a daring mission to reclaim her independence after falling victim to a phone scam.With its mix of humor, action, and heartfelt moments, Thelma is a refreshing and inspiring addition to the adventure-comedy genre. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, characters, themes, and its significance as a modern cinematic gem.
Plot Summary
The story of Thelma centers around Thelma Post (June Squibb), a feisty and independent 93-year-old woman who lives alone in her Los Angeles apartment. When she falls victim to a phone scam and loses $10,000, Thelma decides to take matters into her own hands. Refusing to let her age or physical limitations stop her, she sets out on a mission to track down the scammers and recover her money.
Armed with nothing but her wits, a motorized scooter, and the help of her loyal but reluctant grandson, Danny (Fred Hechinger), Thelma embarks on a cross-city adventure that takes her through the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Along the way, she encounters a series of challenges, from navigating public transportation to outsmarting criminals, all while proving that age is just a number.
The film’s plot is a mix of humor, action, and heartfelt moments, with Thelma’s journey serving as a metaphor for resilience and the pursuit of justice. The story is both entertaining and inspiring, offering a fresh take on the adventure genre.
Character Analysis
Thelma Post (June Squibb):
June Squibb delivers a standout performance as Thelma Post, bringing a perfect balance of humor, determination, and vulnerability to the role. Her portrayal of a fiercely independent woman who refuses to be defined by her age is both inspiring and relatable. Thelma’s wit and resourcefulness make her a compelling protagonist, and her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.Danny (Fred Hechinger):
Fred Hechinger plays Danny, Thelma’s grandson, who reluctantly joins her on her mission. Danny’s character provides a youthful counterpoint to Thelma’s feisty personality, and his evolving relationship with his grandmother adds emotional depth to the story. Hechinger’s performance is nuanced and heartfelt, making Danny a sympathetic and endearing character.Ben (Richard Roundtree):
Richard Roundtree appears as Ben, Thelma’s longtime friend and confidant. Ben’s character adds a layer of warmth and camaraderie to the story, and his interactions with Thelma provide some of the film’s most touching moments. Roundtree’s performance is understated yet powerful, making Ben a memorable and beloved character.The Scammers:
The film’s antagonists, a group of phone scammers, serve as the catalyst for Thelma’s adventure. While they are not deeply developed as characters, their actions drive the plot and provide a clear source of conflict. Thelma’s determination to outsmart them adds a layer of tension and excitement to the story.
Visuals and Cinematography
One of the standout features of Thelma is its vibrant and dynamic visuals. The film’s cinematography, led by David Bolen, captures the energy and diversity of Los Angeles, from its bustling streets to its quiet suburban neighborhoods. The use of wide shots and dynamic camera angles emphasizes the scale of Thelma’s adventure, while close-ups highlight the emotional moments between the characters.
The film’s color palette is bright and lively, reflecting the upbeat and adventurous tone of the story. The action sequences, though not as intense as those in traditional action films, are choreographed with precision and creativity, making Thelma’s journey feel both exciting and believable.
Sound Design and Music
The sound design in Thelma is subtle yet effective, with every sound effect and piece of dialogue adding to the film’s immersive experience. The film’s audio team has done an excellent job of creating a soundscape that enhances the action and emotion of the story.
The film’s score, composed by Nick Chuba, complements the tone perfectly. The music is light and playful, with a mix of orchestral and contemporary elements that reflect the film’s blend of humor and adventure. Tracks like Thelma’s Theme and The Adventure Begins stand out for their energy and emotional impact, adding to the overall charm of the film.
Themes and Messages
At its core, Thelma is a story about resilience, independence, and the enduring spirit of adventure. The film explores themes of aging and the societal expectations placed on older adults, challenging the notion that age is a barrier to living a full and active life. Thelma’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to take control of your life and pursue your dreams.
The film also touches on themes of family and intergenerational relationships. Thelma’s bond with her grandson, Danny, serves as the emotional heart of the story, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting one another across generations.
Thelma is a refreshing and inspiring film that delivers a unique blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments. With its standout performances, vibrant visuals, and dynamic sound design, the film is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring spirit of adventure. June Squibb’s portrayal of Thelma Post is both entertaining and empowering, making her a character that audiences of all ages can root for.
Whether you’re a fan of adventure-comedies or simply looking for a feel-good story, Thelma is a film that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s a celebration of independence, family, and the belief that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure
Direction and Cinematic Style
Josh Margolin, the director of Thelma, brings a fresh and unique perspective to the adventure-comedy genre. Known for his work in independent films, Margolin infuses Thelma with a sense of authenticity and charm that sets it apart from traditional action films. His direction ensures that the film maintains a steady pace, balancing humor, action, and heartfelt moments.
One of the standout aspects of Margolin’s direction is his ability to handle the film’s action sequences with creativity and precision. Despite the protagonist’s advanced age, the action scenes are dynamic and engaging, with Margolin using clever camera angles and editing techniques to make Thelma’s journey feel both exciting and believable. His use of close-ups and wide shots adds to the film’s visual appeal, capturing the emotional depth and scale of the story.
Themes and Social Commentary
While Thelma is primarily a lighthearted adventure-comedy, it also touches on several relevant social issues. The film explores the challenges faced by older adults in a society that often marginalizes them. Thelma’s determination to reclaim her independence and take control of her life serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of respecting and valuing the elderly.
The film also highlights the issue of phone scams and financial exploitation, which disproportionately affect older adults. By turning the tables and having Thelma take on the scammers, the film sends a strong message about resilience and the importance of standing up against injustice.
Character Development and Relationships
One of the strengths of Thelma is its focus on character development and relationships. Thelma’s bond with her grandson, Danny, is the emotional core of the film, and their evolving relationship adds depth and complexity to the story. Danny’s initial reluctance to join Thelma on her mission gradually gives way to admiration and respect, highlighting the importance of intergenerational understanding and support.
Thelma’s friendship with Ben (Richard Roundtree) also adds a layer of warmth and camaraderie to the story. Their interactions provide some of the film’s most touching moments, underscoring the importance of friendship and community in later life.
Sound Design and Music
The sound design in Thelma is subtle yet effective, with every sound effect and piece of dialogue adding to the film’s immersive experience. The film’s audio team has done an excellent job of creating a soundscape that enhances the action and emotion of the story.
The film’s score, composed by Nick Chuba, complements the tone perfectly. The music is light and playful, with a mix of orchestral and contemporary elements that reflect the film’s blend of humor and adventure. Tracks like Thelma’s Theme and The Adventure Begins stand out for their energy and emotional impact, adding to the overall charm of the film.
CGI and Visual Effects
While Thelma is not a CGI-heavy film, the visual effects that are used are subtle and effective. The film’s depiction of Los Angeles is vibrant and dynamic, with the city’s diverse landscapes serving as the backdrop for Thelma’s adventure. The use of practical effects and clever camera work adds to the film’s authenticity, making Thelma’s journey feel both exciting and believable.
Thoughts
Thelma is a refreshing and inspiring film that delivers a unique blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments. With its standout performances, vibrant visuals, and dynamic sound design, the film is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring spirit of adventure. June Squibb’s portrayal of Thelma Post is both entertaining and empowering, making her a character that audiences of all ages can root for.
Whether you’re a fan of adventure-comedies or simply looking for a feel-good story, Thelma is a film that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s a celebration of independence, family, and the belief that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure.
Writing and Storytelling
The screenplay for Thelma, written by Josh Margolin, is a masterful blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with plenty of one-liners and humorous moments that keep the tone light and entertaining. Margolin’s writing ensures that the film maintains a steady pace, balancing intense action sequences with moments of introspection and emotion.
One of the strengths of the screenplay is its focus on character development. The writers have taken the time to establish the relationships between the main characters, particularly Thelma and Danny. This emotional core adds depth to the story, making the audience care about the characters and their journey.
The film also does a good job of incorporating elements from real-life events, such as the prevalence of phone scams targeting older adults. While the story is fictionalized, it stays true to the spirit of the real-life issues it addresses, providing a sense of relevance and urgency.
Social Commentary and Relevance
While Thelma is primarily a lighthearted adventure-comedy, it also touches on several relevant social issues. The film explores the challenges faced by older adults in a society that often marginalizes them. Thelma’s determination to reclaim her independence and take control of her life serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of respecting and valuing the elderly.
The film also highlights the issue of phone scams and financial exploitation, which disproportionately affect older adults. By turning the tables and having Thelma take on the scammers, the film sends a strong message about resilience and the importance of standing up against injustice.
Reception and Impact
Upon its release, Thelma received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film’s standout performances, vibrant visuals, and heartfelt story were praised, while its predictable plot and reliance on humor were noted as weaknesses.
Despite the mixed critical reception, Thelma was a commercial success, grossing over $50 million worldwide. The film’s success is a testament to its appeal as a fun, action-packed adventure that delivers on its promises.
Conclusion
Thelma is a refreshing and inspiring film that delivers a unique blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments. With its standout performances, vibrant visuals, and dynamic sound design, the film is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring spirit of adventure. June Squibb’s portrayal of Thelma Post is both entertaining and empowering, making her a character that audiences of all ages can root for.
Whether you’re a fan of adventure-comedies or simply looking for a feel-good story, Thelma is a film that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s a celebration of independence, family, and the belief that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure.