David Mamet once observed that experience and shrewdness will always prevail over youthful energy, a sentiment that Thelma Post (June Squibb), at the remarkable age of 93, embodies in this fact-based action-comedy-drama. This story follows a lively but occasionally naive widow living independently, and we witness—often with considerable surprise—a spirited, self-reliant senior determined to recover her funds after falling victim to a phone scam. Without informing her family (Fred Hechinger, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg), who are already worried about her ability to manage on her own, Thelma enlists the help of an experienced old friend (Richard Roundtree) to assist in retrieving the stolen money. What emerges is a wildly funny situation with humor that’s undeniably exaggerated but never feels unbelievable or excessive. However, there's more to this film than just laughter—seeing capable and often overlooked older individuals reclaim control over their lives (and, notably in this case, even performing their own stunts!) is genuinely uplifting. This is interwoven with a thoughtful, bittersweet exploration of the aging process and the losses that accompany it, a poignant reflection on inevitable changes and how swiftly they arrive, all handled skillfully and frequently in a philosophical manner alongside the comedic elements. Director Josh Margolin’s first feature film marks an impressive debut for the writer-actor, boasting a well-crafted, balanced script inspired by the experiences of his own 103-year-old grandmother, who is still alive and whose home served as one of the film's primary locations. It also represents a significant achievement for Squibb, at age 94, in her first leading role, showcasing a range that has been previously untapped. The movie provides an excellent opportunity to see Roundtree in a different kind of role than many he’s played before, and his performance is perfectly complementary to his clever co-star. My only reservation concerns the depiction of Thelma's family; their character arcs don't quite coalesce as intended, suggesting that this aspect of the story could have benefited from additional work. Nevertheless, “Thelma” (or "Thelmaf," as it was briefly considered) is among the funniest and most polished releases I’ve encountered recently. So get going—you really should see this one.

Source on TMDB