Recently, a group of NextTribers met at a favorite theater in Austin known for its cold cocktails, comfy seats, and arthouse films, to watch the new release Thelma, written and directed by Josh Margolin.

The theme may not sound like a hoot: An elderly woman gets scammed, but, trust us, this is a gem. Thelma, played by 94-year-old June Squibb (a long-time actor on stage and screen in her first-ever headlining role) lives alone in her perfectly organized, comfy home. Her days are filled with quiet pursuits; needlepoint, Sudoku, daydreaming about her late husband, and happily hanging out with her sweet slacker grandson Daniel. What ensues is a wild and wonderful ride.

Elder Scams in the Spotlight

There is a funny and very relatable undercurrent about the frustrations of mastering technology. We chuckled pretty hard at Thelma’s hunting and pecking at her keyboard. Daniel very patiently teaches her how to use her email and scroll using her mouse. He pleads with her to wear her Apple Watch (for his mental health!) until it starts chafing. High-tech hearing aids, with their ability to connect with iPhones, have their moment in the plot as well. In Thelma, technology is equal parts torturer and savior. 

Thelma gets caught up in a phone scam and, in a panic, sends $10k cash to a PO box before realizing her stupidity. She admits as much to her family but remains infuriated at having been duped. 

Thelma remains infuriated at having been duped and goes in pursuit of the bad guys.

Thelma turns to her long-time friend, a still very handsome Richard Roundtree (no longer John Shaft, but someone I’d trust with my life; sadly, he died shortly after filming this role). They start on a slow-speed yet exciting pursuit of the bad guys.

This Nonagenarian Is Still Learning About Life

I loved the intergenerational relationships depicted in the story…particularly the deep love and real friendship between Thelma and her grandson. Both of them can relate to being coddled and seen as pitiable by the generation between them, especially Parker Posey the neurotic therapist/mom who is driven mad by her lack of control in this situation.

Thelma may be a badass old lady, but she now realizes she has to rely on friends and family for a little help.

In a pivotal scene, Thelma discloses that she went from her parent’s house to her husband’s and never got to live independently. She’s strong-willed and loathes asking for help. Despite being the badass old lady she is, she ultimately realizes she has to rely on her friends and family for a little help. That future fear and frustration really rang true for me and perhaps others of my age as well. Who doesn’t love a little perspective and a life lesson or two with their entertainment?

The Movie Thelma: A Star Is (Re)Born!

Far, far from being an ingénue, June Squibb is nonetheless the “It Girl” right now. She’s doing lots of press events, and her film is getting rave reviews. I love that she does her own stunts. They may be in slo-mo, but with a thumping music score and a nod to Tom Cruise action flicks, they are nonetheless high stakes and thrilling.

June Squibb, at age 94, is the “It Girl” right now, doing press and getting rave reviews.

Check out June Squibb’s IMDB profile if you want to be impressed! She was nominated for an Oscar for her supporting role in Nebraska (2013) and more. But more importantly, catch Thelma while you can for a rollicking good time that’s also full of insight about aging – and Aging Boldly.