The action film, rated 99% by Rotten Tomatoes, is the perfect sequel to this long-running Netflix series

Thelma is the perfect film after the long Grace and FrankieWith a rating of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, the critically acclaimed Thelma In the film, the 93-year-old title character, played by June Squibb, takes matters into her own hands when she is cheated out of $10,000. With footage and clever references to Tom Cruise’s Impossible mission Franchise, Thelma becomes a hilarious and emotional action film with an older adult as the hero.

Before Thelmathe Netflix original series Grace and Frankie tells its own story with older adult protagonists such as Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston. Grace and Frankie ended with 94 episodes over the course of seven seasons and is still Netflix’s longest-running series. Grace and FrankieThe last episodes of the series were released in April 2022. The series has left a gap in stories with positive representation of older adults, a gap that can now be partially filled by Thelma.

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June Squibb explains why she had to play the role of Thelma

“Thelma” stars June Squibb and Fred Hechinger discuss the relationship between grandmother and grandson, the real Thelma and working with Richard Roundtree.

Thelma is the perfect sequel to Netflix’s Grace & Frankie

They explore similar themes with heartfelt humor and drama

In addition to the portrayal of older protagonists, Thelma is the perfect sequel to Grace and Frankie because both stories address real problems faced by older adultsincluding aging and senior abuse, in a really funny and dramatic way. The older adults in these stories have agency and are the focus of the narrative. They are complex characters who provide more than just comic relief, with humor that doesn’t infantilize or demean them because of their age, but celebrates them while acknowledging the everyday challenges they face.

Climbing stairs or getting stuck on a toilet seat can be exciting and gripping, which would not be the case in a story that focuses primarily on younger characters. However, younger people, especially within the protagonists’ families, still play an important role, as Thelma And Grace and Frankie explore the importance of intergenerational relationships. Important messages are conveyed about balancing a healthy need for independence with supporting loved ones. As we age and family roles change, achieving this balance can become difficult.

Thelma & Grace & Frankie prove why we need more films and series with a positive portrayal of older adults

They can have an incredible impact

Part of what Thelma And Grace and Frankie so unique and refreshing that they feel like anomalies among modern films and television series. They are wonderful stories that show how liberating and exciting old age can be, without shying away from the mundane, harsh and tragic realities that come with it. Experiencing this is important for both older and younger generations, as it can help them to better understand themselves and their loved ones.

Such stories need to be more common so that the issues addressed and the positive portrayal of older people on screen are more consistently and comprehensively addressed. Seeing older people as diverse individuals with agency, rather than stereotypes to be made fun of, is not only powerful in a narrative, but can also change the way older people are perceived and treated in everyday life. Thelma And Grace and Frankie offer an excellent model how humorous and exciting stories can be told about older people.

Thelma (2024)

Thelma is a 2024 comedy film written and directed by Josh Margolin. Thelma Post is scammed out of money and more when a scam caller pretends to be her grandson. Not wanting to stand by and become a victim, she heads to town to find the culprit and get back what’s hers.

director

Josh Margolin

Release date

January 18, 2024

Authors

Josh Margolin

Duration

97 minutes

Studio(s)

Zurich Avenue, Invention Studios, Bandwagon

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