By Amanda Gilmore
Writer-Director Josh Margolinās Feature debutĀ is a tender story about growing old and how we as a society view our elders. All wrapped in one of the freshest whip-smart comedic Scripts.
The story follows 93-year-oldĀ Thelma PostĀ (the magnificentĀ June Squibb) who gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson. When she finds the PO Box address she sent the money to, sheās determined to confront the crook. However, her family wonāt let her. But whenĀ ThelmaĀ seesĀ Tom CruiseĀ on the front cover of a newspaper promoting his latestĀ Mission ImpossibleĀ movie (the headline a clever āMission: Possibleā) she sets out on her mission for revenge.
ThelmaĀ is the feel-good movie ofĀ Sundance ā24Ā that leaves the audience uplifted and giddy. Additionally, itās a very timely story due to this scam increasing since the pandemic. It wasĀ MargolināsĀ grandmother, also namedĀ Thelma, who nearly got scammed that sparked his idea for this Feature.
It includes a stellar ensemble consisting ofĀ Fred HechingerĀ asĀ ThelmaāsĀ grandsonĀ Danny,Ā Parker PoseyĀ as her daughterĀ Gail,Ā andĀ Clark GreggĀ as her son-in-lawĀ Alan. All hit each comedic and tender moment. Yet, no one can compare to the enchantingĀ Squibb. Sheās a force to be reckoned with just asĀ ThelmaĀ is as she goes as fast as a scooter can take her. After decades in the industry, finally we get to see her at her action hero best.
There might be no mission thatās impossible forĀ ThelmaĀ but there sure is for the audience. Their impossible mission: not having a silly smile on their face from beginning to end.
ThelmaĀ screens atĀ Sundance ā24:
Jan 17 at 6:30 PM at The Ray Theatre
Jan 18 at 9:00 AM at Prospector Square Theatre
Jan 20 at 9:00 PM at Rose Wagner Center
Jan 23 at 1:15 PM at Eccles Theatre
Jan 24 at 5:00 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 1
Jan 27 at 6:45 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 7
Jan 28 at 1:15 PM at Broadway Centre Cinemas – 6
Online ā Jan 25 – Jan 28
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com