Sundance 2024 | Movie Review: "Thelma" And The Top Secret Mission To Delight Audiences

12/12 ForReel Score | 5/5 Stars

Sundance holds a special place in my heart and is personally my favorite festival. It's a cinematic adventure where, as an audience member, we get to enjoy the thrill of the unknown. I've long admired those who walk into a theater and spontaneously pick a film, not guided by star power, acclaimed directors, or big-name studios, but by pure instinct. At Sundance, I love to embrace that spontaneity. Thank god for it because this year, it let me experience the rise of an unexpected action star, June Squibb. The Oscar-nominated actress has been on the screen since the 90’s and starred in stellar films like Nebraska and Far From Heaven, but she debuts her first leading performance in Thelma, a zany, off-the-wall comedy thriller reminiscent of high stakes spy films akin to Mission Impossible.

Thelma Post is a seemingly typical 93-year old who enjoys needlepoint and watching movies with her grandson, Daniel (Fred Hechinger, White Lotus). Although she occasionally struggles with technology and might need a lift to the store, Thelma is a fiercely independent social butterfly who prefers not to wear her life alert. Stating, “if I fall then I’m toast. That’s why I don’t fall,” Thelma’s got a good head on her shoulders, so when a call saying her grandchild's in trouble and needing $10,000 immediately, she jumps into action. When it turns out to be an elaborate scam, it’s hard to fathom how she fell for it, questioning how Zuckemborg - Mark Zuckerberg - let this happen, even though she’s not on Facebook. Thelma needs to prove to her grandson, overbearing daughter played by Parker Posey (Party Girl, The Staircase), and most importantly herself that she can still take care of business.

Just like a seasoned spy, Thelma springs into action to reclaim the money, but realizes that every successful secret agent needs a reliable team. Unfortunately, most of her friends have either passed away, like the unfortunate Ruth who fell into a fire pit, or moved to some remote area like Cleveland. Undeterred, Thelma recruits the assistance of her friend Ben, played by the late great Richard Roundtree (Shaft). Together, they face the challenges of unexpected side quests, like climbing a flight of stairs, and navigate through unfamiliar streets of LA on a motorized scooter.

The charm of the movie lies in its relatability; we all know someone like Thelma, if she isn't already our own grandmother. She is the epitome of resilience and a persistent spirit, a character who refuses to let anything dim her sparkle. Squibb's portrayal of Thelma is spot-on, capturing the essence of writer/director Josh Margolin’s own grandmother. She will approach almost every elderly person on the street, eager to discover a connection or a familiar face. Thelma has immense pride in her independence. Determined not to be seen as feeble-minded by her family because of her age. This determination grows even stronger after she falls victim to the scam.

Thelma takes control of the situation, eager to show her overprotective family that she is fully capable of looking after herself.

Margolin's love for classic spy thrillers shines through in every detail in his feature debut. From the 60-esq Get Smart score to playful nods to iconic key moments like wild car chases and manipulating the enemy. In a humorous scene while using a bank website, Thelma faces the most daunting of challenges: navigating around a pesky pop-up ad. Triumphantly overcoming this digital hurdle, she declares, "I'm in," as if she's Angelina Jolie in Hackers. Margolin finds the perfect balance of comedy and heartfelt drama that packs an unexpected emotional punch that is bound to have audiences reaching for the tissues.

Thelma is more than just a film, it's a heartfelt journey that transcends the screen, bringing laughter, tears, and an undeniable connection to its audience. June Squibb's portrayal is a revelation, showcasing the versatility and depth of her acting prowess. This movie goes beyond the bounds of a typical spy thriller, weaving a narrative that's rich with humor, warmth, and authenticity. Audiences will leave this film with a sense of awe and admiration, not just for her character, but for the resilience and spirit that exists in all of us. Thelma is a cinematic gem that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the power of film to celebrate life's adventures, no matter our age.

Movies, Festival CoverageMarty MillmanJanuary 30, 2024sundance, sundance 2024, sundance film festival, thelma, movie review, june squibb, parker posey, fred hechinger, siff 2024Comment