Watch June Squibb Bring Tom Cruise Vibes to Thelma’s Action-Comedy

The fact that June Squibb has secured her first lead role at 94 years old seems almost unbelievable, much like the idea that sharks predate trees or that sliced bread wasn’t invented until 1928. Known for her Oscar-nominated performance in 2013’s Nebraska, Squibb’s career spans decades with standout roles in films like About Schmidt and Palm Springs. Now, she takes center stage in the action-comedy Thelma, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. This film is a delightful and humorous tribute to action-movie tropes, proving that Squibb’s leading role was well worth the wait.

Josh Margolin, making his directorial debut, wrote the script based on his experiences with his own grandmother. Squibb plays the endearing Thelma, an elderly widow living alone. She spends her time with her caring 20-something grandson, Daniel (played by Fred Hechinger from The White Lotus), who helps her with Gmail and watches Mission: Impossible movies with her. Thelma is thrown into a panic when a scammer posing as Daniel tricks her into sending $10,000 to a P.O. box. By the time she realizes she’s been scammed, her money is already lost.

The story then combines a character study with a ridiculous action-movie parody, as Thelma embarks on a daring mission to recover her stolen cash. She keeps her quest secret from her family, including her grandson, her daughter (played by Parker Posey), and her son-in-law (played by Clark Gregg), seeking help only from an old family friend, Ben (portrayed by Richard Roundtree, who passed away in October 2023). Together, Thelma and Ben navigate suburban Los Angeles on a mobility scooter, adding a unique twist to the action genre.

Margolin approaches Thelma with a genuine love for action films, playfully twisting familiar tropes. Instead of speeding through Europe in a sports car, Thelma and Ben use a mobility scooter. The film’s score is reminiscent of Mission: Impossible, and Thelma tackles comedic challenges like climbing a wobbly bed to reach a high shelf. Margolin also humorously addresses the trope of gathering a team, only for Thelma to find that all her friends are deceased.

Despite the film’s comedic take on action tropes, there’s a heartfelt core beneath the humor. Squibb avoids turning Thelma into a mere caricature of an elderly person and instead brings depth and warmth to the role. Thelma struggles with her limited mobility and the recent loss of her husband, and her chemistry with Roundtree adds emotional depth. Their conversations about aging are touching.

Ultimately, Thelma centers on the touching relationship between grandmother and grandson. While Margolin’s script embraces the fun of having a senior action star, it never mocks Thelma. The director’s affection for his own grandmother is evident throughout. Though not every joke lands, Thelma is a rare spoof that is both hilarious and heartwarming. Squibb may be new to the action genre, but Thelma secures her place alongside iconic characters like Ethan Hunt, John Wick, and John McClane. Rating: B+