#SUNDANCE: “THELMA” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

Writer-Director Josh Margolin’s Feature debut 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-old Thelma Post (the magnificent 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, she’s determined to confront the crook. However, her family won’t let her. But when Thelma sees Tom Cruise on the front cover of a newspaper promoting his latest Mission Impossible movie (the headline a clever “Mission: Possible”) she sets out on her mission for revenge.

Thelma is the feel-good movie of Sundance ’24 that leaves the audience uplifted and giddy. Additionally, it’s a very timely story due to this scam increasing since the pandemic. It was Margolin’s grandmother, also named Thelma, who nearly got scammed that sparked his idea for this Feature.

It includes a stellar ensemble consisting of Fred Hechinger as Thelma’s grandson Danny, Parker Posey as her daughter Gail, and Clark Gregg as her son-in-law Alan. All hit each comedic and tender moment. Yet, no one can compare to the enchanting Squibb. She’s a force to be reckoned with just as Thelma 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 that’s impossible for Thelma but there sure is for the audience. Their impossible mission: not having a silly smile on their face from beginning to end.

Thelma screens at Sundance ’24:

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 — Jan 25 – Jan 28