Thelma is a comedy that plays with action tropes about a widow Thelma(June Squibb) who is the victim of a phone scam who sets out to get back what's hers.
Squibb in her first lead role is wonderful, bringing her robust humor and vulnerability to this fun, quirky, and sometimes poignant tale. Richard Roundtree in his last film role plays Ben her friend and accomplice, it is such a treat to see him here with a healthy amount of screentime. He brings some much needed grounding and pathos but is also able to play a bit more subtly with the humor. Thelma's grandson Danny played by Fred Hechinger is the big surprise, he is so present, so emotional, and has magnetic chemistry with Squibb. With Hollywood shoving the likes of Austin Butler and Timothée Chalamet down our throats its so refreshing to see a young actor with actual talent and screen presence. Parker Posey(always an absolute delight) and Clark Gregg round out the main cast as Danny's parents and use their more limited involvement to excellent effect.
First time writer/director Josh Margolin comes out of the gates shockingly assured. Shot on location in LA the film looks great, the staging on locales serve to create a real world and to highlight the underseen lives of the elderly lead. The score though is the homerun, overlayed throughout is an exciting action/thriller/heist sound which serves to straightforwardly heighten the action as well as recontextualize the journey and perspective of the titular hero. It is so fun and so effective. And that is the real triumph here, this alchemy of theme and tone. Grief, aging, purpose, family, action, comedy, drama: all are included here, woven together gracefully like a delicate tapestry.
A feel-good, thoughtful, tightly focused film that entertains and inspires.
Currently in theaters, coming soon to VOD.
Don't Miss It.
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