June Squibb Shines in Action Comedy “Thelma” as a Revenge-Seeking Grandmother

At 94 years old, actor June Squibb had to persuade filmmakers that she could handle many of her own stunts in the action-packed comedy film “Thelma,” which tells the story of a grandmother seeking revenge. “It was great fun, and I came into it having read the script and deciding, ‘Well, I think I could do that,'” Squibb said. She performed nearly all of the motor scooter stunts and a demanding scene in an antique store. Directed by Josh Margolin and distributed by Magnolia Pictures, the film follows Thelma, a grandmother on a stunt-filled rampage to get back at telephone scammers who swindled $10,000 from her savings.

The film also features Fred Hechinger as Thelma’s grandson. Margolin praised Squibb’s ability to channel her “inner Tom Cruise,” becoming increasingly comfortable with her stunts as filming progressed. “I got more crazy about it,” Squibb noted, emphasizing that despite her age, she feels 35. “Thelma” premieres in theaters on Friday.

Hechinger was not surprised by Squibb’s energy, having witnessed her dedication before filming. “We met before we started filming, we just developed a friendship and a kind of artistic kinship, so I was well aware of her magic,” he said. Squibb’s career spans Broadway, film, and television, with a notable Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the 2013 film “Nebraska.”

While “Thelma” is a comedy, it also addresses the serious issue of scammers targeting the elderly, a topic close to Margolin’s heart as his own grandmother experienced a similar situation. “My grandma got a call like that, my family got concerned like that, and then luckily in real-life we were able to step in before she sent the money,” Margolin explained. He added that while the film’s events are fictionalized, the character of Thelma draws heavily from his grandmother, with small moments and phrases woven throughout the story.

The film has received a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics applauding Squibb’s performance. For Squibb, it’s particularly meaningful that women her age see the movie. “We have been at screenings, and especially older women are seeing it and coming out just glowing. They just are enjoying it so much,” she said. Squibb shared a heartwarming moment when an older woman demonstrated how she would ride a scooter, inspired by the film. “I’m so proud of that, that someone can see it and it can give them such joy,” Squibb added.

“Thelma” not only showcases June Squibb’s enduring talent and energy but also highlights important social issues through a humorous and engaging narrative.

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