Thelma (2024): Plucky Lady

              by Len Weiler

A decade or so ago, I began to describe a relatively new genre of films – namely, movies specifically designed to get baby-boomers to lean forward and (hopefully) take notice - as “boomer-porn”. I didn’t yet use this term back in 2012 when I reviewed a prime example of this genre, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, but my opening remarks describe the flavor of the concept pretty well:

         “If you are an inveterate fan of Masterpiece Theater and other high end BBC programming shown on PBS, congratulations! You've become a target audience, and … Marigold Hotel is aimed right at you. It's got a great cast of [older] A-list stars, an A-list director, and an exotic locale. Indeed, [it] is a pleasant bit of fluffy entertainment …”. 

As in that quote, the term boomer-porn can be used somewhat pejoratively, to denote an okay picture with low aspirations. Such as Downton Abbey (2019), Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022), and the forthcoming Downton Abbey 3 (2024), all capitalizing on the long running BBC series. Going farther back, examples include Driving Miss Daisy (1989) and Something’s Gotta Give (2003). But why not describe better-than-okay films aimed at the same demographic with the boomer-porn label? Titles like Quartet or Amour, both from 2012; Philomena (2013); Two of Us [orig. Deux] (2019) or last year’s The Miracle Club come to mind – not necessarily great movies but aiming a little higher and, in fact, a notch or two better than the previous examples.

The film I’m discussing today, Thelma, has just been released in theaters and for pay-per-view on select streaming platforms [see below].. It stars 94-year-old June Squibb, who is best known for her memorable role as no-nonsense Kate Grant in Nebraska (2013), for which she was nominated for an Oscar.  She is the titular character of Thelma, which amazingly is her first role starring in a motion picture. She is the most obvious factor elevating this movie above the “just okay” level.  But not the only one.  

The story in a nutshell: Thelma is a 93-year-old lady determined to continue living independently. Despite her age and a few difficulties navigating an increasingly digital environment, she is plucky and pretty damn sharp. While she is philosophical about it, it’s mighty frustrating that so many of her friends and contemporaries have passed on. A bit lonely, too. Her daughter and son-in-law (Parker Posey and Clark Gregg) worry about Thelma; they would like her to move into assisted living, but she’s not having it. Their adult son, Daniel (Fred Hechinger), hasn’t found his calling in life – or a real job – but he keeps a protective eye on his grandma, drives her around on errands, and is eager to help her out whenever needed. 

One day, Thelma gets defrauded out of $10K by a guy on the phone pretending to be Daniel. The police can’t help, so she decides to take matters into her own hands to get her money back.  Knowing her family would object, she enlists her old friend Ben - who IS in an assisted living program – to help (a lovely Richard Roundtree [Shaft (1971), in his final role], because Ben is the proud owner of a brand new, bright red, electric elder-scooter. And so the adventure begins. Along the way, of course, Thelma and Ben have to deal with a number of unexpected difficulties – which are mostly played for laughs. 

Thelma is the first feature written and directed by Josh Margolin. based on an actual incident where his own grandma, also named Thelma (who’s still going at age 103, by the way) got conned out of money in a similar fashion. The story, presented in a light, easygoing manner, is not complicated, and Margolin moves it along at a nice clip.  Even so, there are some interesting twists and a few wryly amusing peeks at the idiosyncratic dynamics within Thelma’s worried family - all of which helps round out the tale and keep things interesting. Margolin has clearly spent a fair amount of time with elderly folks and teasingly, yet fondly, includes a few gags about forgetfulness, cluelessness, and such.  It’s all in warm-hearted fun. 

All of the supporting characters – while mere sketches - are well acted.  This includes Harvey, a malevolent but far from scary character played by Malcolm McDowell, 50+ years beyond his performance as Alex in A Clockwork Orange (1971). See what I mean, boomers?

So, yes – boomer-porn.  Thelma is not a classic, but nonetheless is a well-played, well-made, sweet motion picture and quite an enjoyable way to spend an evening. Especially if you’re in the mood for a smile.

1 hour 38 minutes Rated PG-13 [some strong language]

Grade: B+

Currently in select theaters – to find a theater near you, click HERE; also available to rent (or purchase) on AppleTV, Fandango At Home, Amazon Prime Video, Verizon FIOS and other platforms.