Thelma: Heartwarming and Funny Family Drama

"Thelma" is a terrific "Indie" movie!  It's my favorite film of 2024 so far, and I consider it a MUST-SEE!  The movie will definitely be in my Top 10 for the year. Writer/Director Josh Margolin has based his first feature film on a true story, inspired by his grandmother, "Thelma."  Margolin has his roots in Improv, and the film is often hilarious.  June Squibb (playing Thelma) has been an actor for 70 years, and this is her first leading role!  She plays a 93-year-old grandmother with a very close relationship with her grandson, Daniel (Fred Hechinger). Thelma is still living independently and wants to retain her independence.  Daniel has learning disabilities and is unemployed.  He also recently broke up with his girlfriend, so he's having a rough time.  Daniel's job is to look after Thelma, run errands for her, and to make sure everything is ok. Thelma gets victimized by a scam and loses $10,000.  The police tell the family that it's impossible to get the money back.  Thelma's daughter (Parker Posey) thinks Thelma getting scammed is an example of her cognitive decline.  She thinks it may be best for Thelma to go to an assisted living facility.  Daniel thinks Thelma still has her marbles and that it was just a clever scam. Thelma is angry, and inspired by Tom Cruise, who has just released a new "Mission: Impossible" movie, decides to attempt her own 'Mission: Impossible' to get her money back.  She then morphs into a 93-year-old action hero!  She is aided in the mission by an elderly friend, Ben (the now recently-deceased Richard Roundtree).  This part of the movie has considerable suspense, with Malcolm McDowell playing the scammer. The film's themes include the significant challenges of old age, intergenerational love, friendship, independence, and the refusal to be a victim, among others.  June Squibb may even win the AA for Best Actress in a Leading Role!  I wouldn't miss this one, although it would work fine as a rental. Bottom Line: Who needs Louise?