June Squibb’s new action comedy movie, Thelma, is not only successful, but it’s also shedding light on one of Hollywood’s most prominent issues. Although Hollywood is the source of the world’s best films and television, the entertainment business doesn’t always have the best track record with representation. For example, it has taken decades for movies and TV to start accurately representing women and BIPOC characters. Even then, Hollywood still has more work to do. However, when it comes to films like Thelma, with movie stars over 50 years old, there is hope that Hollywood can get better.

Josh Margolin’s new movie follows June Squibb as Thelma Post, an elderly woman who gets conned out of $10,000. As a result, Thelma teams up with a younger friend to take back what is rightfully hers. Sitting at an impressive “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, Thelma embraces its older main character, transforming her into something of an action hero. Although the movie is full of laughs, Thelma actually reveals exactly what Hollywood has been doing wrong for so many years.

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Hollywood Has A Poor Record Of Telling Stories From An Older Person’s Perspective

Older People Are Portrayed Poorly Or Not At All

After seeing 94-year-old June Squibb play an action hero and comedy star in Thelma, it is much more obvious how Hollywood has ignored and mistreated older characters. According to Esquire, a study done by AMICA revealed that, in 2021, only 2% of movies had an older person as their lead actor. Similarly, the Geena Davis Institute found that 83% of people agree that “media culture doesn’t realize how much they stereotype older people.” The institute went on to explain that older people are often shown in purely domestic roles with no chance for romance.

It’s strange that Hollywood cannot accurately depict older people, especially considering that specific portion of the population is vital to the industry’s success. Unfortunately, this trend is even worse for older women. Older actors aren’t often given romantic storylines, but when those roles emerge, it’s given to more men in the industry instead of women. One significant factor in the misrepresentation of older people in Hollywood is a fear of aging. Although people are living longer, they believe aging to be a bad thing.

Thelma’s RT Score Highlights The Need For Better Age Representation In Movies

Thelma Proves Older Stories Matter

Society may be fearful of aging, but stories of older characters still need to be told. Thelma’s Rotten Tomatoes score is proof of that. The 2024 film garnered a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience score also high at 80%. Thelma Post may be an unexpected, non-traditional character for Hollywood, but based on the movie’s success, viewers are eager to see this kind of story. If Thelma can do so well, then other movies with older leads could see the same amount of success or perhaps even more. Thelma shows that genre and age should not hinder an actor.

There is no denying that Thelma’s older lead character is part of the film’s success based on the reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics have lauded Thelma’s older perspective. While the movie sheds light on aging and the negative connotations that come with it, the movie manages to balance comedy with serious subjects. Ultimately, Thelma is a good movie because of its humor, action, and tight script. However, it is also great because it turns the tables on how Hollywood represents older people and older women.

Thelma Alone Won’t Change The Movie Industry, But It’s A Start

Thelma Is Not The Only Gamechanger

While Thelma’s success is exciting, it won’t be enough to revamp Hollywood. For now, it is just one example of an older main character done right. However, Thelma is also not alone. Recently, a handful of TV shows and movies have put a spotlight on older characters. 80 for Brady, Grace and Frankie, and Wiser than Me have all given older women a chance to shine in surprising ways.

In the end, there is still plenty of work to do for older actors in Hollywood. However, Thelma is part of a truly amazing movement. The movie exemplifies how important and entertaining an older narrative can be. Hopefully, its success can inspire even more movies and shows with older lead actors.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes, Esquire

Thelma (2024)

Director

Josh Margolin

Release Date

January 18, 2024

Writers

Josh Margolin

Cast

June Squibb , Fred Hechinger , Richard Roundtree , Parker Posey , Clark Gregg , Malcolm McDowell