d'Review: Thelma

Thelma

The Ultimate Dark Comedy About Seniors, Scams, and Family Drama

I just got done watching Thelma (2024), and I have to say—it completely blew me away. I didn’t just like it, I loved it. This isn’t just another comedy or action movie. It’s a clever, heartwarming, and deeply funny story about growing old, staying strong, and never letting anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. It stars the amazing June Squibb in a powerful leading role at the age of 94. Yes, 94—and she absolutely nails it. Thelma is a senior citizen movie that feels fresh, funny, and full of life, with dark humor that’s quietly loud and surprisingly meaningful. If you’re looking for a film about elderly empowerment, scam awareness, and family dynamics—all wrapped in witty storytelling—this is the one.

The story follows Thelma Post, a warm, spirited grandmother who becomes the target of a cruel phone scam. Someone pretends to be her grandson in trouble and tricks her into sending money. But Thelma isn’t the type to sit and cry. Instead, she dusts herself off and sets out on a mission to right the wrong. She becomes her own hero, not just by seeking justice, but by reminding everyone—especially her family—that she’s still got it. What made me fall in love with her character is how grounded, smart, and bold she is. She isn’t portrayed as a weak or silly old woman. She’s sharp, kind, and fierce. Her calm, no-nonsense approach to solving problems makes her one of the most lovable film characters I’ve seen in a long time.

And then there’s her family. Their reaction to her plan is one of the most ironically hilarious parts of the movie. They panic, try to stop her, and treat her like she’s too old to think clearly. It’s almost like they’re in a different movie altogether—a drama where grandma needs saving. But little do they know, Thelma is already way ahead of them. Watching this unfold was amusing in the smartest way. It’s that kind of family behavior we often see in real life, where well-meaning children and grandchildren assume they know better, only to be proven wrong. The contrast between their worry and her quiet confidence is both funny and insightful.

Beyond the humor, the film has a deeper message about how older adults are often treated by society. Thelma gives a voice to the quiet struggles of many seniors today—being underestimated, ignored, or scammed. It shows the sadness of a world where some people make quick money by preying on the vulnerable. Yet, it doesn’t stay stuck in sadness. Instead, it gives us hope. It reminds us that strength doesn’t disappear with age. That courage doesn’t belong only to the young. And that growing old doesn’t mean growing invisible. Thelma shows us how to age with purpose, dignity, and just the right amount of mischief.

The humor in Thelma is never loud or forced. It’s subtle, smart, and perfectly timed. The jokes don’t come from making fun of old age—they come from flipping those stereotypes on their head. That’s what makes the comedy so strong. It catches you off guard in the best way, often in moments where you’re expecting something emotional. That balance between real emotion and quiet laughs is what sets Thelma apart from other comedy films in 2024.

It also made me reflect on what kind of senior I might become. Will I be treated like a fragile thing, or will I have to fight to prove that I still matter? This film asks those questions without being preachy. It holds up a mirror in the gentlest, funniest way possible. And June Squibb’s performance is what brings it all to life. Her character isn’t just well-written—she feels real. You know a Thelma in your life. Or maybe, one day, you’ll be Thelma.

Thelma is everything I didn’t know I needed in a movie. It’s about family, scams, aging, independence, and dignity. It’s a comedy with meaning, an action story with heart, and a senior citizen film that breaks every tired old rule. The dark humor is so subtly loud that it makes you laugh out loud and pause to think—often in the same scene. This is one of the best films of 2024 and easily one of the smartest comedies in recent years. If you love clever writing, unexpected heroes, and stories that leave you smiling, then Thelma is a must-watch. 

To the complete cast & crew,

you're awesome, stay awesome!