Thelma

Every summer we are offered a small handful of independent films to break up the barrage of highly touted big-budget and animated, commercial films. After a while, it is certainly refreshing to see something new as a bit different to break things up. So, now we are offered "Thelma", a small film about an elderly lady not letting herself become abused just because of her advanced age. This telling story is not only helmed well, but has a screenplay that is crafted with expertise. 

When 93-year-old Thelma Post (June Squibb) gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she and her friend, Ben (Richard Roundtree) sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her--$10,000 bucks! Since her family, especially her daughter, Gail (Parker Posey) and son-in-law,Alan (Clark Gregg) wouldn't understand what she had to do, she simply had to take matters into her own hands. Her grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger), although understood her and loved her tremendously, didn't have the guts to assist her in her trek, so what's a 93-year-old to do?

Others to round out the cast are Malcolm McDowell as Harvey, Aidan Fiske as Michael, Bunny Levine as Mona, Quinn Beswick as Colin, Nicole Byer as Rochelle, Chase Kim as Detective Morgan and Sheila Korsi as Gloria 'Annie'.

This was directed with wit and pathos by newcomer behind the camera, Josh Margolin (a short). This was a comedy that wasn't a 'belly laugh' film, however was very funny and yet dramatic where it fit. He was truly able to encourage his actors to exude just the perfect emotions to convince the audience, especially that of Squibb. It was also brilliantly written by Josh Margolin ("Deep Murder" '19) plus TV and shorts. This filmmaker is a relative newcomer when it comes to behind the camera, but has an extensive resume as an actor stemming from 2007. This obviously served him in both the writing and directing. The writing was sequential, cohesive, concise and staged perfectly. Even the editing, which he also did, was incredibly cut with expertise. Is this pro a natural? Not sure, but if this is what we reveled with, I can't wait to see what he writes and directs next. And be rest assured, there will be a next time. 

If you need a break from all the big commercial films out there being offered during this season, this is the film for you, especially if you're a baby boomer or older. This shows that just because one becomes that 'certain age', doesn't mean they simply retire from life and caring about anything or one. The chemistry between Squibb as Thelma and Hechinger, her grandson is incredibly endearing as well.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                           Rated: PG-13                                      98mins.