Shadows on the Wall

Thelma

dir-scr Josh Margolin
prd Zoe Worth, Chris Kaye, Nicholas Weinstock, Benjamin Simpson, Karl Spoerri, Viviana Vezzani
with June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, Malcolm McDowell, Nicole Byer, Quinn Beswick, Coral Pena, Aidan Fiske, Bunny Levine, Ivy Jones
release US 21.Jun.24,
UK 19.Jul.24
24/US 1h38

SUNDANCE FILM FEST

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A snappy and sharply funny script gives this comical adventure some entertaining edge as it plays with the interaction between three generations. Serious issues around cognitive decline and self-reliance swirl throughout the story, addressed with honesty and warm humour through the eyes of parents, children and grandchildren. With a nod to his own grandmother, writer-director Josh Margolin playfully explores the human need for independence, support and self-confidence.

At 93, the widowed Thelma (Squibb) enjoys her quiet life in Los Angeles, and is particularly close to helpful grandson Danny (Hechinger). So when a scammer calls claiming to be Danny in trouble, she quickly sends cash to bail him out. Naturally, she feels embarrassed when she shares this with Danny and his parents (Posey and Gregg). The police won't do anything, but she's inspired by Tom Cruise to take action herself. Turning to old friend Ben (Roundtree), she heads out on his two-seater scooter to retrieve her cash on the other side of town.

The salient question is whether this was a sign of Thelma's slipping mental acuity or just a simple mistake anyone could make. So she's determined to prove herself. As Danny notes, Thelma is a "tough cookie" who thinks outside the box and doesn't take no for an answer. She even borrows a gun from old friend Mona (Levine) as Ben reluctantly accompanies her on this caper. All of this is cleverly staged as a geriatric action thriller complete with espionage, stunts, gadgetry and a climactic showdown.

As usual, Squibb is magnetic as a woman who is laser-focussed on her task but pushing the boundaries of her physical abilities. So she is able to remain sympathetic even when she puts herself in danger, stoking the growing panic of her daughter, son-in-law and grandson, played with both depth and terrific deadpan humour by Posey, Gregg and especially the hugely likeable Hechinger. And Roundtree has a wonderful soft-spoken charm that adds warm textures to the entire film.

Because it digs deeper while keeping the humour flowing, this is a thoroughly entertaining romp that takes several unexpected twists and turns. And because it's so easy to see ourselves and our loved ones reflected in these characters, the film finds continual moments of resonance. It also comes with a lovely little message: as Ben says in the face of Thelma's stubborn independence, "The least we can do is take care of each other."

themes, language, violence 16.Jul.24

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