\”Grandma "Thelma" (June Squibb) is rather cruelly fleeced by a man pretending that her beloved grandson "Daniel" (Fred Hechinger) has been in a car accident with a pregnant women. $10,000 lighter her family realise she's been scammed and she is having none of it. Recruiting her pal "Ben" (Richard Roundtree) - or, more accurately, car-napping his mobility scooter, she escapes from the protective custody of her family and sets off to find the culprit. Squibb and Roundtree are obviously having great fun here as the pair embark on an engaging series of geriatric adventures that illustrate, clearly, that though the body may be weak the spirit is very much alive and kicking - and you know you're in for a decent denouement with Malcolm McDowell in the starting line-up too. I thought Hechinger tried a bit too hard here, but there is still something enjoyable about his at times rather theatrical performance and his dynamic with the charming and formidably ingenious Squibb. Clark Gregg and Parker Posey make up the rest of the family and quite entertainingly shine a light on the problems of parents dealing with an elderly relative - about whom they do, genuinely, care, whilst also trying to live their own lives and keep an eye on a son who has, just to make matters slightly worse, recently split from the love of his life. It does have a bit of a wobble for ten minutes towards the end as it struggles a little to make a point about the stupidity of the bloody-minded but for the most part there's a good deal to giggle at as the pair go along. You probably won't recall this for long after you watch it, but it's a good laugh that just confirmed what I've thought for ages. Those buggies need a lane of their own!”

CinemaSerf

\”If it was created with a different set of sensibilities, Thelma could’ve easily been a cheap shot at seniors (and a forgettable experience). Imagine a sitcom-style movie with stale gags about how oldies can lose their marbles, their temper, or their bladder control. A film built around a character that’s there purely to be laughed at. Instead, we’re laughing with Thelma Post, and at the assumptions and stereotypes about the elder community that she pierces, one by one, and undermines. It’s great writing, brought to life by an ace June Squibb, firing on all cylinders. Together, they create a poignant reminder that even at 93 – perhaps especially at 93 – you’ve earned the right to maintain your independence and dignity. And maybe set off an explosion or two. Read our full Guide to THELMA at good.film: https://good.film/guide/thelma-makes-you-rethink-your-grandmas-use-by-date”

good.film