Thelma is a charming and heartwarming family film that stands out for its empowering portrayal of an elderly woman. Oscar nominee, June Squibb shines as the stubborn “super gran” out to prove everyone wrong about her “diminishing” abilities as an aging person, delivering a performance that anchors the film with warmth and humour.
The story follows 93-year-old Thelma Post (Squibb), who loses $10,000 to a phone scam.
Determined to reclaim what was taken from her, she embarks on a daring journey across Los Angeles with the help of a friend, Ben (the late Richard Roundtree) and his motorised scooter. Despite the challenges she faces, Thelma’s resilience and spirit make her journey both inspiring and touching.
The film is loosely based on director Josh Margolin’s grandmother, Thelma Post. The real Thelma, who’s a ripe 103 years old, makes a cameo at the end of the film.
I watched this movie with my 69-year-old mother, who has faced some health challenges this year. I was nervous about taking her to see it, as I was unsure if it would evoke fear. Fortunately, she loved it, as did everyone in the theatre. I felt joy in the crowd. My mother said ‘it had a lot of messages but it was very positive’ and felt the delivery was inspiring. She left feeling empowered as an aging person.
The film addresses many issues elderly people face, such as the trials of aging, including loss of ability, memory, independence, and the pain of losing loved ones. Yet, this story remains uplifting from beginning to end. It touches on these challenges with sensitivity, but with a dash of light-heartedness too.
Margolin’s direction is well-timed, carefully balancing deep melancholy with dry humour, making Thelma a must-watch for audiences of all ages.
Thelma is showing at Luna Palace Cinemas.