Netflix adds ‘lowkey masterpiece’ action film better than Mission Impossible

The near-perfect 98% rated film is inspired by a true story

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

A near-perfectly rated film widely regarded as a hidden gem has now become available to a significantly larger audience.

Netflix has just rolled out its latest library update, and among the titles added as of today (21st May) is the action gem Thelma. The film originally hit screens in 2024 and took many viewers pleasantly by surprise.

According to the film’s synopsis, the story follows a feisty 93 year old grandmother who gets conned by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson.

She then sets out on a treacherous quest across Los Angeles, accompanied by an aging friend (and his motorized scooter), to reclaim what was taken from her.

The plot draws on a real-life incident involving the director’s own grandmother. While his grandmother, who was indeed called Thelma, fell victim to a telephone scam, he managed to intervene before any money was lost.

Nevertheless, the experience proved sufficient inspiration for Josh Margolin to craft the screenplay, dialling up the action considerably and weaving in classic genre tropes for good measure, reports the Mirror.

June Squibb heads up the cast in the title role, marking her first leading performance at the remarkable age of 94, following a distinguished career spanning more than 70 years.

Keen-eyed viewers will recognise her from numerous previous appearances, including a guest role as Auntie Alice in the sitcom Modern Family. She also appeared alongside Jack Nicholson in About Schmidt and lent her voice to several Pixar productions, including Toy Story 4 and Inside Out 2.

Squibb also secured an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 2013 release Nebraska.

June Squibb in Thelma

It is described as better than Mission Impossible (Image: Universal)

She stars alongside Marty Supreme and Gladiator II actor Fred Hechinger in Thelma, with Parker Posey, Marvel star Clark Gregg and A Clockwork Orange icon Malcolm McDowell also featuring. The film also marks the final role of Richard Roundtree, who portrayed the original big-screen version of Shaft.

Boasting a near-perfect 98 per cent rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, both critics and audiences have been thoroughly impressed with Thelma. Numerous critics have drawn comparisons to top-tier action films, with one declaring it is ‘even better than Mission Impossible.”

Another seemed to agree by adding: “Mission Impossible wishes it were Thelma-an absolute joy ride from beginning to end with a phenomenally compelling performance from June Squibb.”

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.”

CRE: https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/2208230/netflix-adds-lowkey-masterpiece-action