“Thelma” is a delightful and poignant film that tells the story of a spirited 93-year-old grandmother, Thelma Post, who defies age’s limitations and embarks on a thrilling quest to reclaim what was taken from her after being duped by a phone scammer. Directed by Josh Margolin, this sweet and action-packed comedy stars June Squibb in her first leading role at the age of 94, bringing a sense of authenticity and life to the character.

The film begins with Thelma, a nonagenarian living in a Los Angeles condo, who is closely monitored by her family due to her recent loss of her husband and her increasing need for full-time care. Despite her physical limitations, Thelma is determined and resourceful, often relying on her wit and curiosity to navigate the challenges of her daily life. Her grandson, Danny (Fred Hechinger), is the only family member who truly engages with her as a person, and his interactions with her are a highlight of the film.

trailer

Screen short

Director, Screenwriter, and Film Editor

Josh Margolin:

Cinematographer: Thelma 2024

David Bolen:

Director of Photography

Nicholas Weinstock:

Producer: Thelma 2024

Viviana Vezzani

Benjamin Simpson

Chris Kaye

Karl Spoerri

The Story of Thelma (2024)

The film follows 93-year-old Thelma Post, a feisty and independent widow living in Los Angeles. When Thelma is scammed out of her life savings by a con artist posing as her grandson, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

Thelma sets out on a perilous journey across the city, determined to track down the scammer and reclaim her money. Along the way, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, including a down-on-his-luck ex-con (Fred Hechinger), a sympathetic private investigator (Richard Roundtree), and her estranged daughter (Parker Posey).

Despite her advanced age and various health issues, Thelma refuses to give up, drawing on her wit, resilience, and a lifetime of hard-earned wisdom to outwit her adversaries and navigate the dangers of the urban landscape. As she confronts both physical and emotional challenges, Thelma’s story becomes a poignant exploration of aging, family, and the power of determination in the face of adversity.

Themes and Highlights

  • Thelma’s unwavering determination and refusal to be a victim, even in her old age
  • The film’s blend of humor and heartwarming moments, as Thelma forms unexpected connections with the people she meets
  • The exploration of the challenges faced by the elderly, including financial exploitation, isolation, and the generation gap
  • The redemptive arc of the ex-con character, who finds purpose in helping Thelma on her quest
  • The strained relationship between Thelma and her daughter, and their eventual reconciliation

Overall, Thelma (2024) is a feel-good, action-packed story that celebrates the resilience and spirit of the elderly, while also addressing important social issues with sensitivity and humor.

public review: Thelma 2024

The public review for “Thelma” (2024) is generally positive. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024, and received a 7.6/10 rating on IMDb. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports a 98% positive rating based on 59 critics’ reviews, with an average rating of 7.7/10. The consensus on Rotten Tomatoes states that the film is a “stellar showcase for the talented June Squibb” and “avoids cheap laughs as it finds the lighter side of some serious issues.” The film also received a score of 76 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating “generally favorable” reviews