Thelma (2024)
We live in an ageing society, and there are many stereotypes of ageing people on our screens. Older people are often portrayed as declining cognitively and physically, resistant to change, becoming dependent and a burden to society, lacking productivity and value, being lonely and isolated, and disinterested in sex or romance. The list goes on and on.
In a refreshing turn, Jason Margolin, with his directorial debut, has given us Thelma, a fun comedy drama about 93-year-old Thelma Post, who has been the unwitting victim of a scam. Someone has impersonated her grandson, Danny, and she has lost $10,000. She decides to do something about it. Inspired by her love of action movies, particularly Mission: Impossible, she embarks on a high-spirited and dangerous journey across the city to find her money. On the way she demonstrates her resilience and independence, and the film explores themes of ageing, familial relationships, and the fight against societal perceptions of the elderly.
June Squibb, who plays Thelma, is outstanding. She gives us a character who is warm and humorous. And Richard Roundtree, who portrays Thelma’s lifelong friend, Ben, engagingly complements Squibb’s Thelma. Thelma’s story is full of humour and heartfelt moments that make the movie entertaining and emotionally resonant.
In a movie like this, it would be easy to go too far with the comedy or the drama. But Margolin skilfully balances these two elements. There are also some clever nods to Mission: Impossible if you watch carefully. All of this combined with the themes of ageing, independence, and familial relationships makes this film thought-provoking as well as entertaining.
Unfortunately, some of the supporting cast don’t really leave much of an impression and potentially undermine the depth of the story. Thelma is also a bit predictable at times, and occasionally it looks a bit like a low-budget movie, which can also detract from the experience.
But Thelma offers a refreshing perspective on ageing and independence, and its lighthearted yet sensitive approach to the realities of ageing makes it a worthwhile watch.