Thelma, the Movie

If I watch a movie and am surprised that it’s over so quickly, it’s a great movie. That’s what happened when I saw Thelma in a theater a week ago. When I found out the lead character was played by a 93-year-old actor, June Squibb, and the reviews were good—the web site Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 98% rating—I had to see this picture. I went with a friend who is a bit younger than my 82 years. Passing on refreshments, we settled into our recliner seats. The lights dimmed. We watched what seemed like a dozen coming attractions, none of which we intend to return to watch. Then there was Thelma, a short, plump, gray haired woman in slacks, sneakers, and hearing aids, ready to take us along on her adventure. One we enjoyed watching: At times jolted in our seats at the unexpected, laughing at the surprising twists, and feeling tense waiting for Thelma to fail at her mission.

The movie was believable to me, although a New York Times critic didn’t agree. At times, almost too believable as I saw old folks languishing in single rooms in an “assisted living” facility, plus Thelma’s family questioning her mental competence and doubting her ability to fight for justice.

It’s obvious that this movie wasn’t expected to attract a huge audience. In one theater near me, it played only on a Saturday at 10 am. In the theater where we saw the picture, the movie played all week at various times, but in a room with only 40 seats.

Too bad Thelma doesn’t appear to attract a wide viewership. There are many lessons to be learned about the variations in abilities among the aged. I’ve known this to be true as a retired gerontological NP, and now as older person myself, but hey, many of the younger viewers out in the real world haven’t a clue. Thelma and her reluctant side kick played by Richard Roundtree, who was in his 80s, showed the breadth of their personalities. It’s refreshing to see older adults on the silver screen.

Thelma is loosely about writer-director Josh Mercolin’s grandmother who is 103.

“Thelma” Introduces a Refreshing New (93-Year-Old) Action Hero