Film review: June Squibb's performance is wholly worthy of this charming, offbeat tale

Written and directed by Josh Margolin, Thelma is based on a true story that happened to his grandmother

Richard Roundtree and June Squibb star in Thelma

Thelma

★★★★☆ 

Cinematic release

Thelma (12A) stars June Squibb as 93-year-old Thelma Post, who is scammed into parting with $10,000 to secure the release from prison of her devoted grandson, Danny (Fred Hechinger).

Thelma’s daughter Gail (Parker Posey) believes this confirms her belief that Thelma should be consigned to an old folks’ home, but Thelma isn’t taking the insult lying down.

Teaming up with her old friend Ben (Richard Rountree), the pair hit the mean streets of Los Angeles on Ben’s mobility scooter, determined to track down the scammers.

Written and directed by Josh Margolin, Thelma is based on a true story that happened to Margolin’s own grandmother. June Squibb delivers a performance that is wholly worthy of this charming, offbeat tale.

Inspired by Tom Cruise on the basis that he does all his own stunts, the fiercely independent Thelma sets on her very own mission impossible — her use of technology and ability to adapt an echo of Ethan Hunt’s resourcefulness.

Richard Roundtree provides strong support as the crotchety but loyal Ben, and Fred Hechinger is endearing as the grandson who never loses faith in his beloved grandmother, but this is June Squibb’s movie and she gleefully seizes the opportunity it delivers to blend drama, comedy, and pathos.