Thelma Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A 93-year-old grandma gets scammed, so she becomes a Mission: Impossible agent to get her money back, proving that old people can still use computers…sort of.

🍿 Thelma: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Phone Scam

Thelma Post, a 93-year-old widow living independently in Los Angeles, receives a phone call from a scammer posing as her grandson, Danny. The caller claims he has been arrested and needs $10,000 for bail. Thelma, who is close to Danny but often feels patronized by his help, quickly sends the money to a specified address.

Thelma’s Quest Begins

After discovering Danny is safe and she’s been scammed, Thelma is frustrated by the lack of police assistance and her family’s concerns. Determined to recover her money, she secretly sets out to find the scammers. She attempts to contact old friends for assistance but finds many have passed away or moved.

Enlisting Ben

Reluctantly, Thelma enlists the help of Ben, a widower and friend who lives in assisted living. They embark on their mission using Ben’s two-person scooter. Thelma also steals a gun from another elderly acquaintance, Mona, adding another layer of complexity to their quest.

Confronting the Scammers

Thelma and Ben eventually track the scammer to a rundown antique store. Inside, she discovers Harvey and his grandson Michael are running a scam operation. A confrontation ensues, leading to a tense standoff where Thelma demands her money back.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thelma (June Squibb): A determined 93-year-old woman who embarks on a quest to reclaim her stolen money after being scammed.
• Daniel (Fred Hechinger): Thelma’s loving but somewhat aimless grandson who often helps her and feels responsible for her well-being.
• Ben (Richard Roundtree): Thelma’s friend from assisted living who reluctantly assists her on her mission.
• Harvey (Malcolm McDowell): The struggling antique store owner and main scammer who preys on elderly individuals.
• Gail (Parker Posey): Thelma’s daughter who is concerned about her mother’s ability to live alone.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thelma: “I didn’t expect to get so old.” – Thelma reflects on the unexpected nature of aging.
• Thelma: “What spirit!” – Thelma exclaims while admiring the trees.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $9,002,073
• Worldwide Gross: $12,671,108

💥 Thelma Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored Thelma! It’s the kind of movie that makes you laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. I loved how they portrayed the challenges of aging with humor and heart. June Squibb is phenomenal, and the scooter chase scene made me laugh so hard I almost cried! This is one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s worth the watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of heartwarming comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about aging and independence”
  • “People who enjoy films with strong female leads”
  • “Anyone who has elderly family members”
  • “Fans of light-hearted action comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Language”
  • “Mild Gun Violence”
  • “Themes of elder abuse and scams”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Squibb’s performance elevates this simple premise into a heartwarming and hilarious tale of resilience and family. It’s a testament to her talent that she makes Thelma’s mission both believable and deeply affecting. The film’s charm lies in its ability to find humor in the everyday challenges of aging.
• Variety: “Thelma is a surprisingly touching and funny film. June Squibb shines in her first leading role, bringing both vulnerability and determination to the character. Director Josh Margolin handles the subject matter with sensitivity and wit, creating a film that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the heartwarming story and June Squibb’s amazing performance.: Most people praised the film for its humor, heart, and positive portrayal of elderly people.

Overall Consensus: Thelma is a heartwarming and funny film that celebrates the resilience of the elderly and the importance of family.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is inspired by a true story: writer/director Josh Margolin’s own grandmother was almost scammed in a similar phone scheme.”
• “June Squibb, who plays Thelma, was 93 years old during filming, making this her first leading role in a movie after a long and successful career as a character actor.”
• “Richard Roundtree, best known as Shaft, appears in one of his final film roles as Ben, Thelma’s friend and accomplice.”
• “Writer and director Josh Margolin’s actual grandmother’s home was used as one of the film’s primary sets.”

🖥️ How to Watch Thelma?

Currently, ‘Thelma’ is playing in theaters. Check your local listings for showtimes. Following its theatrical run, it is expected to be available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check these platforms for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Thelma, you might like these similar films:

• Queen Bees (2021): Focuses on elderly characters finding new purpose and community in unexpected circumstances, dealing with themes of aging and independence.
• Going in Style (2017): A group of senior citizens plan a bank heist, combining comedy with themes of aging and financial struggles, similar to Thelma’s quest for justice.
• Nebraska (2013): Features June Squibb and deals with themes of aging, family, and a road trip centered around a potential scam, sharing a similar tone and character-driven narrative.
• The Beekeeper (2024): Deals with scamming, and protecting the elderly.

🛒 Thelma Related Products

• Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One [4K Blu-ray]: Inspired by Thelma’s love for Mission Impossible. A modern 4K edition of Mission: Impossible featuring stunning visuals and Dolby Atmos sound. Relive the thrilling action and suspense.
• Golden Girls: The Complete Collection: A classic comedy series about a group of elderly women navigating life together. A timeless series that explores the bonds of friendship and the humor in aging.
• I’m Kind Of A Big Deal T-Shirt: Premium quality tee featuring a fun and confident statement. Ideal for expressing your self-assurance and humor. Comfortable and stylish for casual wear.
• The Beekeeper [Blu-ray]: Inspired by Thelma’s fight for what is right! Action packed Jason Statham fights to regain justice. With extra footage and interviews.

🎧 Soundtrack

Thelma features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Some Enchanted Evening” – performed by Ted Post

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Thelma the Unicorn is enjoyable #thelmatheunicorn #netflix #movie

Want to know if Thelma the Unicorn is worth your time? This quick review breaks down the movie’s highlights, and honestly, the reviewer’s enthusiasm is pretty contagious – I’m thinking of watching it myself now!

✨ Rate