While many have been led to believe that theactiongenre is all about bravado, with beefcake men or femme fatale’s fighting their way through swarms of baddies, the genre has turned out some innovative and exciting entries. Whether it be the genre-bending action ofNobodyplacing comedian Bob Odenkirk in the role of a rough and tumble hero, or the dark and brooding atmospheric masterpiece that isA24’sThe Northman, the genre keeps proving it has not run out of new angles to excite an ever hungry audience.
2024 gave action and comedy fans a new surprise inThelma, a story of revenge with a 98-year-old acting as the one to exact justice. A wonderfully absurd premise that managed to charm audiences and critics, we will look at this delightfully fun action movie, and why you need to watch it now that it has landed onHuluafter a successful run at the box office.
‘Thelma’ Is a Surprisingly Delightful Take on the Action Genre
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After falling for an over-the-phone scam where someone pretends to be her son and shakes her down for 10k, 93-year-old Thelma Post decides she will get revenge. Thelma enlists the help of her friend Ben, and they saddle up together on her scooter to track down the scammers with a gun stolen from another elderly friend named Mona. The two head into the dangerous urban area with a tip about where they can find the scammer while her family desperately searches for her after learning she has left her care facility. Despite family concerns, Thelma is in control of her own destiny, showing the resilience of a well-lived life and the drive to do what is right.
“If I fall, I’m toast. That’s why I don’t fall.” June Squib as Thelma
Thelmastars June Squibb as the titular nonagenarian on a quest for revenge after being scammed. June Squibb may not be a household name, but she has long been active in the industry, amassing over 100 credits. Her roles include playing Helen Schmidt in the critically acclaimedJack Nicolson-led dark comedyAbout Schmidt.
Opposite Squibb is Richard Roundtree as Thelma’s partner in crime, Ben. Roundtree, who sadly passed in 2023, is a screen legend, bringing John Shaft to life in the 1971 filmShaft. The cast is rounded out by Fred Hechinger (who plays Thelma’s grandson, Daniel), Parker Posey, and Clark Gregg.The movie was directed and written by Josh Margolin, withThelmamarking an impressive feature film debut.
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Critics and Fans Couldn’t Get Enough of ‘Thelma’
Thelma impressed fans and critics alike.The action comedy is currently 98% fresh with 193 reviews and has 83% on the Popcornmeter, 7/10 on IMDB and 3.7/5 on Letterboxd. While the movie had a wide box office release,the indie comedymanaged to have an impressive run given its niche appeal.Thelmawould go on to make around 12 million worldwide on its modest budget; the feature is Magnolia Pictures' highest-grossing narrative feature. The movie boasted a surprise opening weekend as well, securing the eighth spot and beating out Russell Crowe’sThe Exorcismby bringing in $2.3 million across 1,290 theaters.
Top RT critic Richard Roper of theChicago Sun TimesgaveThelma3/4 and praised the film as being relatable and easily accessible to a wider audience, saying “This is a pure comfort-viewing experience, filled with authentic characters who talk the way real people talk, even when the situations stretch credulity.”
Brandon David Wilson ofRoger Ebert.comalso sung the films praises in his 3.5/4 review, spoke highly of June Squibb’s performance, saying “… the whole film rests on June Squibb’s shoulders. She brings to the part 78 years of acting experience, which is a joy to watch,” and going on to praise how enjoyble Thelma is as a character, “Her Thelma is no saint; she is not a fount of wisdom, nor is she the kind of hacky, wacky, Funny Old Lady that was so popular in the films of my youth.“Critics across the board praised June Squibb’s performance, showing that the 95 year-old is still a profound talent after a lifetime (and a bit) in theaters and on the screen.
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The blend of action and humor is certainly going to be the initial draw here, butwhat also makesThelmasuch a must-watch is how heartwarming the movie can be. The movie presents a since and (potentially) relatable relationship with the elderly and Gen Z through Thelma’s relationship with her grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger). There is also appreciation to be found in empowering the older generations, and who does not want to cheer on a charismatic grandma taking on a bunch of grimy phone scammers? There is a lot to love about Josh Margolin’s debut feature film; thankfully,you can streamThelmanow on Hulu.
