It’s a glorious weekday afternoon, and June Squibb is rearing to settle some scores. “Robert Downey Jr., I could kick your ass,” the 94-year-old actress threatens with a mischievous glint in her eye, staring down the barrel of a smartphone camera. She’s filming a lighthearted social media campaign for her new action comedy “Thelma,” which hits theaters this Friday.
Following the session, Squibb turns to shrug and smile at Kelly, her longtime assistant. “Is it real that adults are engaging in such behavior?” she inquires, her eyes glimmering with laughter. Squibb is obviously welcoming every new experience with the same zeal she has displayed throughout her illustrious career, even at the age of 94.
Squibb plays a strong-willed elderly woman in “Thelma,” who is conned out of $10,000 by a con artist posing as her grandchild. Driven by a mobility scooter and an unwavering desire for retribution, Thelma embarks on a quest akin to “Mission: Impossible” to retrieve her pilfered money. In this entertaining blend of humor and action, Squibb’s character exacts justice in the most unusual manner.
Would love for people checking out #TheBikeriders to also give a shot to #Thelma, a film whose charm and sheer cleverness in the scripting is as infectious as it is unexpectedly moving. June Squibb is genuinely terrific in it, fun and uninhibited. One of 2024’s true hidden gems. pic.twitter.com/kQKU6LGpRH
— Jacob Jones (@jakejonesSWR) June 24, 2024
In “Thelma,” Squibb plays an iron-willed senior citizen who gets swindled out of $10,000 by a scam caller posing as her grandson. Fueled by a mobility scooter and an unyielding thirst for vengeance, Thelma sets out on a “Mission: Impossible”-style crusade to recover her stolen funds. The film is a delightful mix of action and comedy, with Squibb’s character delivering justice in the most unconventional ways.
Sam McHale, a director well-known for his work on independent comedy, is ecstatic about Squibb’s performance. June, according to him, “brings a unique blend of warmth and fierceness to Thelma.” She has a powerful presence, both on and off screen. Her daily presence on site was nothing short of inspirational.
Thelma is shown by Squibb as resilient and determined, not merely as a result of the events. Her character’s transformation from a duped grandma to an unstoppable assailant is endearing and inspiring. Squibb says, “It’s a story about fighting back, no matter your age.” “Thelma serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to defend the people and yourself that you care about.”
The film’s stunts and action sequences were a new challenge for Squibb, but she embraced them with her characteristic enthusiasm. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” she admits. “The physicality of the role was demanding, but it was also incredibly fun. I loved every minute of it.”
Best Actress nom for June Squibb in THELMA please. + Best Stunt Work/Choreography. This is the sort of flick that would have had a 16-week run in cinemas in the 90s. Plays like gangbusters with an audience; mine laughed throughout and cheered at several moments. It’s a lot of fun pic.twitter.com/zNSdDZzoAo
— Jerry (@JerAtTheMovies) June 23, 2024
Critics are already buzzing about “Thelma,” praising Squibb’s performance as a refreshing and spirited addition to the action-comedy genre. The film also features a stellar supporting cast, including John Goodman as Thelma’s tech-savvy neighbor and Awkwafina as a cunning private investigator.
Both moviegoers and newbies are excitedly anticipating the premiere of the movie, seeing Squibb in a character that challenges age prejudices and honors the virtue of tenacity. Anticipation is high on social media, where many have hailed Squibb as a real trailblazer.
June Squibb’s star is still shining brilliantly as the “Thelma” premiere draws near. Her entry into the action genre is evidence of both her unwavering energy and her versatility as an actress. She declares, “I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries.” “I’m living proof that it’s never too late to try something new, and age is just a number.”
With “Thelma,” June Squibb not only settles some scores on screen but also redefines what it means to be an action star. And if her performance is any indication, Robert Downey Jr. might just have to watch his back.