True crime stories no longer exclusively belong to horrific murders and serial killers. Scammer revenge stories have come to the forefront more recently on the small screen and are making their way to the big screen. In the last few years, we’ve seen the likes of Inventing Anna and The Tinder Swindler detailing real crimes. We’ve also had the likes of The Beekeeper appear which heavily features scammers along with intrigue, excitement, tragedy, and full-blown action. Thelma is the latest in this sub-genre, and its quite unlike anything that’s come before.
After getting scammed out of a hefty amount of her savings, 93-year-old Thelma decides to go out seeking justice, against her family’s advice. Enlisting the help of an old friend, Ben, who owns a scooter, the two try to track down the criminals responsible, meeting a few characters along the way.
Our heroine of the title, played by June Squibb, in first leading role in her 70 year career, feels right at home in this role. Honing her craft in recent years as sweet old grandmother, Squibb is able to slightly buck this typecast. Thelma may indeed be a grandma, but she won’t be pushed around. There is a moment after she realises, she’s been scammed where you worry everything will fall apart, but something clicks and Thelma, determined to get her money back, will literally stop at nothing. Squibb puts in a fantastic performance, going beyond the older lady on a mission for justice, she is able to show vulnerability in a character that clearly doesn’t like asking for help. Thelma is tough, that’s clear, and judges those she considers weak, but she does prove to have, not quite a softer side but an understanding, particularly when she faces off with the scammers. In addition to Squibb is great ensemble cast, particularly Richard Roundtree in his final role as Thelma’s friend Ben. Their scenes together are fun, amusing, and heartfelt.
Described as an action comedy, which seems bizarre and over the top considering the majority of the film is two seniors driving around on a mobility scooter. But there are some comedic scenes that are never cruel and got for obvious jokes, the comedy throughout is light and witty, alongside the ‘action’. There may be a car chase scene but quite what you’d expect and there is fire and explosions, as well as some very stern words from Thelma. Overall the film is highly entertaining and very refreshing, set amongst the same old stories being rehashed over and over, Thelma stands above the rest.
Thelma will be released in cinemas 19th July 2024.
