Hulu Summary:
Thelma isn’t your average 93-year-old grandmother – she’s tenacious, determined, and on a mission. After getting conned by a scammer, she teams up with a friend and his motorized scooter on a wild adventure to take back what’s hers.
FYA Summary:
Okay, it’s gonna be hard for me not to set y’all’s expectations too high when talking about Thelma, because I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH. It’s sweet and funny and melancholy and quirky, like a warm, squeezy, cinematic hug. It’s the kind of film I wish we had more of, especially in these times.
So, National Treasure June Squibb plays Thelma, an elderly woman who lost her husband a few years back and has been living alone every since. Her earnest and goofy grandson, Daniel, is her best friend, and she stays busy with walks and learning how to use her computer. Unfortunately, Thelma falls victim to a phone scam and ends up losing a solid chunk of change, which causes her daughter and son-in-law to begin planning for her to move into a senior living facility. Thelma is having NONE OF THAT, and to prove that she can take care of herself, she sets off on a mission to find the thief and get her money back. Along the way, she is joined by an old friend, Ben, whose motorized scooter and moral support prove crucial to her endeavor.
Familiar Faces:
June Squibb as Thelma, Fred Hechinger as Daniel
If you’re familiar with June Squibb, then you know that she freaking rules. If you’re unfamiliar with June Squibb, prepare to become absolutely obsessed with this hilarious, charming actor who should win an Oscar simply for the twinkle in her eye. As Thelma, she’s fiery but sometimes befuddled (especially by the computer); she’s loving yet also tough as nails; and she’s stubborn as hell in the face of her age.
Her relationship with Daniel is so precious it makes me want to cry just thinking about it! Fred Hechinger is a gem of a loser in this role, which is honestly tough to pull off but seems to be his specialty. (You may remember him from White Lotus S1.) Plus, the “best pals” energy he shares with Thelma extends beyond the film into real life!! He took her as his date to the Gladiator II premiere, y’all! He comes over for dinner at her place on a weekly basis! They are just the CUTEST!!! I can’t even.
Richard Roundtree as Ben, June Squibb as Thelma
In his last role before his passing, Richard Roundtree lends so much depth and warmth to Ben, a man facing the sunset of his life in a different way than Thelma. He gets grumpy with her, she gets grumpy with him, and it’s truly a joy to watch them on screen together.
The rest of the cast is equally as stellar: Parker Posey and Clark Gregg play Daniel’s parents (Posey’s character is Thelma’s daughter) and the contrast between them is pitch perfect. They are also extremely indulgent of Daniel which I find touching yet hilarious. And then there’s a great reveal of a villain that I will not spoil for you but the casting is *chef’s kiss.*
Couch-Sharing Capability: Break Out of Your Cocoon!
Yes, this is a Cocoon reference, and no, I’m not sorry about it.
Anyway! Watch this movie with anyone/everyone you love! It’s a wonderful experience to share, and I think it’s that rare kind of film that appeals to both your grandmother (duh) and any young people in your life, including EVEN snobby cinephiles / hipsters. No one can resist Thelma. NO ONE.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Old Fashioned
I certainly wouldn’t recommend drinking too much during this movie, because you’ll want to remember every moment, but I think Thelma would approve of a classic cocktail or two. And you will definitely want something in your hand to toast to this badass grandma!
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Golden
Thelma has become one of my go-to pick-me-ups. It makes me laugh, it makes me smile, and it makes me feel a genuine and almost embarrassingly earnest gratitude for my family and the friends I hope to grow old with. At the very least, watching this will improve your life for two hours, but more than likely, it will stay in your heart for days and weeks to come. (See?! Embarrassingly earnest!)
