Thelma? Thelma Squibb? Never heard of her. Well, she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the 2003 movie,” Nebraska.
Thelma’s an elderly woman in her 90’s who had enough gumption to find a leading role with the courtesy of Josh Margolin, writer, director. This movie is a delightful comedy consistently elevated by Squibb’s talents.
She spends her days doing needlepoint, clumsily trading e-mails with friends and spending quality time with her 24 year old grandson, Danny, ( Fred Hechinger). The rest of Danny’s life is falling apart but he’s very good at taking care of his grandmother as she navigates her final years.
Thelma spends days on her own trying to learn the computer. Her grandson is patient with her learning skills and they have become very close friends. It’s her grandson, Thelma believes called her in a panic, claiming he’s been in a car accident and needs $10,000 to get out of jail.
She dutifully sends the money only to realize she’s been scammed. In a bid to redeem the situation, Thelma embarks on a journey to rectify the circumstance with an old friend, Ben, (Richard Roundtree) to take back what’s hers.
This was my favorite part of the film – watching Squibb and Roundtree ride his scooter down the streets of Los Angeles in the name of justice. Rotten Tomatoes gives this film a 99%.
Pure delight! A deeply loving ode to our grandparents, the fears we hold for our loved ones and the struggles the elderly have to assert themselves despite social stigmas. Squibbs is spry and exhibits excellent comedic timing at 93 years young.
One feisty woman’s quest to prove that she’s still independent and capable. I give this a 4+ film.
