June Squibb is audacious. She is over nine decades old and still has stamina playing the cranky and determined grandma in Thelma. Squibb keeps the giggles coming through layers of comedy and action.  Thelma was written and directed by Josh Margolin. The film is cleverly funny due to Squibb’s unique silliness. 

The film is titled Thelma, the name of Squibb’s character. She is a grandmother in her nineties. Her grandson Daniel (played by Fred Hechinger) takes care of her. Daniel finds himself helping his grandma with her lack of technology and daily life skills. Thelma has the personality that many grandmothers tend to have. She asks many questions, is set in her ways, and does not let subjects go. One day this all changes when she gets scammed over the phone and loses thousands of dollars. Thelma is frustrated, but on a rapid mission to get her money back. 

With the help of an elderly man, Ben (played by Richard Roundtree), Thelma benefits from this comedic duo. 

With Roundtree’s recent passing, this film showcases his signature Shaft attitude, especially when a titanium hip is used as a weapon. The quirks of Squibb and Roundtree are endless. The writing highlights how their age adds some challenges to their mission. It also heightens their anger and vindictiveness which makes the movie killer funny.

Thelma is wonderful and quirky. She will not stop until she gets her money back. Thelma will make audiences laugh until their chests hurt. Four stars for Thelma.