Thelma

Thelma, directed by Joey Soloway, is a gripping drama that revolves around the life of 93-year-old Thelma Post, played by two-time Academy Award nominee Louise Lasser and also by two-time Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon. On her 93rd birthday, Thelma, a fiery and vivacious woman, receives a phone call that changes the course of her life. The caller, posing as her grandson Peter, convinces Thelma that she has been scammed by a scammer who has made off with her life savings. The situation grows more dire as the scammer convinces Thelma that if she wants to retrieve her money, she needs to come to a nearby address, where her grandson is waiting. Thelma, being a woman of a certain age, has lived a long and fulfilling life. She has seen her fair share of struggles, losses, and hardships. After losing her husband, Thelma has been living in a beautiful but isolated home, where she spends most of her time alone. The phone call serves as an introduction to the reality she is facing as an elderly woman in a rapidly changing world. With age, she faces social isolation, frail health, and incontinence. When Thelma realizes that she's been scammed, she is determined to get her money back. Despite her frail health and old age, she decides to embark on a perilous journey to reclaim what was taken from her. The director skillfully weaves together the raw, unapologetic vulnerability of Thelma's life as an elderly woman with an air of drama and action. Thelma must navigate the complexities of her city, relying on distant memories from her younger years and the help of individuals she didn't know before. As Thelma sets out on her mission, the film takes on a unique and gritty tone. This is not just a story about a woman fighting to regain her dignity, but also an exploration of the relationship between old age and mortality. Thelma discovers a new sense of purpose and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Facing gang members, a homeless man who initially is her ally and eventually does eventually join with other villains and dealing with bureaucracy are all obstacles that stand between Thelma and her goal. The direction employed by Joey Soloway adds pace, intrigue, and tension to the narrative. He has skillfully interweaved 25-year-old Thelma with 93-year-old Thelma, with both sections intricately intertwined. The original script was actually written by Megan Griffiths and Soloway, adding the layers to help both Thelmas coexist. The cinematography in Thelma is visually stunning, reflecting the contrasting worlds that Thelma inhabits. The old age and modern colors that reflect the world Thelma leaves behind are captured with expertise. This artistic diversity beautifully enhances the themes and emotional journey portrayed. The portrayal of Louise Lasser as 25-year-old Thelma beautifully encapsulates the freshness and spontaneity of her youth. Her character oozes style and a charming glint of a free spirit. Conversely, Susan Sarandon channels an authentic vulnerable and haunting portrayal of the 93-year-old Thelma. This contrasting duality captures a subtle depth to the nuances that portray Thelma as the emotional core of the narrative. In conclusion, the narrative of Thelma is highly engaging, narratively resonant, and riddled with the core principles that draw audiences to dramas such as these. This emotional journey weaves through intergenerational storytelling, offering audiences a glimpse into Thelma's complex world. The climax unfolds beautifully and sensitively with the strong female portrayal by Louise Lasser, Susan Sarandon, and director Joey Soloway's heart-wrenching storytelling.