Thelma: A Sassy Old Lady’s Quest for Justice

Cinema loves a sassy old lady, but how often do we get to see a nonagenarian as a rounded, self-possessed character? Thelma, directed by Joshua Margolin, changes that with June Squibb starring as the titular character, a feisty widow navigating modern life in California.

Thelma takes to the streets

Thelma’s life is turned upside down when she falls victim to a scam, sending $10,000 to con artists claiming to help her grandson. The embarrassment drives her to take matters into her own hands, and she sets off to get her money back. But this isn’t a generic revenge story; it’s a heartwarming comedy-action film that explores what it means to be old.

June Squibb shines as Thelma

Thelma’s journey is filled with humor and wit, as she navigates the complexities of modern life, from dealing with pop-ups on her computer to struggling with loss and loneliness. Her biggest enemy isn’t gangsters, but time itself. With the help of her unwilling partner, Ben (Richard Roundtree), Thelma proves that even in old age, you can still take control of your life.

Richard Roundtree shines in his final performance

Thelma is a film about embracing life’s challenges, even when your body and mind are no longer what they used to be. It’s a beautiful portrayal of aging, wrapped up in a comedy-action setting that will leave you smiling.

Thelma takes action

“We’re not what we were,” Ben yells at Thelma, and that’s an understatement. But Thelma’s spirit remains unbroken, and her determination to get her money back becomes a quest for justice and self-discovery.

Thelma takes matters into her own hands

Thelma is a must-watch, not just for June Squibb’s outstanding performance but for its heartwarming portrayal of aging and its exploration of what it means to be old.