“Thelma” star June Squibb did all her own stunts at the age of 94 – and received rave reviews for it

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The action film Thelma hits theaters this weekend and stars June Squibb, a 94-year-old actress who did most of her own stunts in her first-ever leading role. The film is one of the best-reviewed films of the year so far, earning a near-perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Surprising fact

Squibb said she insisted on doing most of her own stunts in the film. She told Rolling Stone she chose scenes in which her character rides a scooter at high speed and, in one scene, crashes into another scooter driven by Roundtree’s character, and said she “loved it.” “They had a stuntwoman who did everything, and I kept saying, ‘No, I think I can do this,’ so I did most of it myself,” Squibb said. She said she did Pilates to prepare for the physical work in the film, but as a former dancer, she has always been an active person.

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Rotten Tomatoes critics unanimously described Thelma as “a standout showcase for the talented June Squibb.” Several critics compared the film to a spin on the Tom Cruise-starring “Mission Impossible” action films, including Variety critic Peter Debruge, who praised Squibb as an “unlikely but satisfying action star.” Rolling Stone critic David Fear praised the film, saying it avoids becoming a “cheap, drab novelty” thanks to strong performances from Squibb and Roundtree. Slant critic Justin Clark said the film balances “comedy and existential drama,” adding that it sensitively handles Squibb’s character’s advanced age without resorting to stereotypes.

Important background

“Thelma” is written and directed by Josh Margolin, who said he wrote the screenplay with Squibb in mind and based the storyline on his real-life grandmother, who was also the victim of a scam phone call. Squibb – who was first nominated for an Oscar in 2013 for her supporting role in “Nebraska” – said she had been “auditioning my whole life” before her Oscar nomination, but is finally being sought out by directors.

What you should pay attention to

At 94, Squibb still has a lot of films ahead of her. She’s enjoying a successful summer — she has small speaking roles in the box office hit “Inside Out 2” and the upcoming film “Despicable Me 4” — and will play her second lead role in “Eleanor the Great,” an upcoming drama film directed by Scarlett Johansson.

Further information

“Don’t tell me I can’t do something”: June Squibb on her performance in “Thelma” (Rolling Stone)

“Thelma” introduces the world to action heroine June Squibb! (Rolling Stone)

June Squibb’s action comedy “Thelma” will be released this summer by Magnolia Pictures (Deadline)