Netflix has refreshed its streaming library once again, and among the newest additions is the critically praised action-comedy Thelma, which arrived on the platform on May 21. Originally released in 2024, the film quickly earned a reputation as one of the year’s most unexpected crowd-pleasers.

The movie centers on a determined 93-year-old grandmother who becomes the victim of a phone scam after a fraudster pretends to be her grandson in distress. Refusing to accept defeat, she embarks on an adventurous journey across Los Angeles to recover her stolen money, teaming up with an elderly friend and his mobility scooter along the way.

What makes the story even more remarkable is that it was inspired by a real incident involving writer-director Josh Margolin’s own grandmother. In real life, his grandmother—also named Thelma—was targeted by a similar scam. Fortunately, intervention came before she lost any money, but the experience sparked the idea for a screenplay that would blend humor, heart, and action.

Margolin expanded the real-life incident into a full-scale adventure, incorporating classic action-movie elements while keeping the emotional core rooted in family and resilience. The result is a film that balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine warmth and surprising thrills.

Leading the cast is veteran actress June Squibb, who took on her first-ever starring role at the age of 94. The performance marked a major milestone in a career that has spanned more than seven decades, earning widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. Her portrayal of the fearless grandmother became one of the film’s biggest highlights and helped turn Thelma into one of the most beloved surprise hits of recent years.

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It boasts a near perfect 98% rating(Image: Universal)

Many viewers may already recognize June Squibb from a number of memorable appearances throughout her long career. She previously guest-starred on the hit sitcom Modern Family as Auntie Alice and appeared alongside Jack Nicholson in the acclaimed drama About Schmidt. Animation fans may also know her voice work from popular Pixar productions, including Toy Story 4 and Inside Out 2.

Her impressive résumé includes an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, earned for her widely praised performance in the 2013 film Nebraska. That recognition helped cement her status as one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors.

Joining Squibb in Thelma is a talented ensemble cast featuring Fred Hechinger, known for roles in Gladiator II and Marty Supreme, alongside Parker Posey, Marvel favorite Clark Gregg, and legendary actor Malcolm McDowell, best known for A Clockwork Orange. The film also holds special significance as it features one of the final screen performances of Richard Roundtree, the iconic star who originated the role of Shaft.

Critics and audiences embraced Thelma upon release, helping it earn an exceptional 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers praised its unique blend of action, comedy, and heart, with some drawing comparisons to blockbuster franchises. One enthusiastic critic even suggested the film was “better than Mission: Impossible.”

Another reviewer echoed that sentiment, writing that “Mission: Impossible wishes it were Thelma,” while describing the movie as a thrilling and uplifting ride powered by a remarkable lead performance from June Squibb. The overwhelming praise has helped transform the film from an under-the-radar release into one of the most beloved action-comedy surprises of recent years.

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The film saw June Squibb take on her first leading role(Image: Universal)

Someone else shared: “What unfolds is Mission: Impossible on Mobility Scooters, with a soundtrack to match. Thelma and Ben after the crooks; Danny and his parents chasing Thelma and Ben. It is full of humour, and not a little sadness.”

Fans are also full of praise with one declaring: “I can’t think of a more perfect movie. It is an absolute 10 out of 10 for me.”

Meanwhile one person admitted: “Thelma is a low-key masterpiece. A brilliant sendup of the heist genre, a PSA for elder care, and a meditation on aging and inter-generational connection. A thoroughly entertaining and heart-felt action dramedy that doesn’t trade in cheap laughs, and goes deep without getting too heavy.”

Thelma is streaming on Netflix

SOURCE: https://www.mirror.co.uk/film/netflix-adds-action-comedy-better-37188183