I Recently Watched Thelma, And It Wasn’t What I Was Expecting, But It Really Connected With Me

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As a child who lost most of my grandparents at a young age and now watching my parents age, I can wholeheartedly say that Thelma has left a profound impact on me. This movie was not just entertaining but also deeply thought-provoking, making me reflect on my relationship with aging and the ones I love.

I seldom watch movie previews as I found them revealing too much of the storyline. Instead, I prefer to approach movies, TV shows, and books without any prior knowledge or expectations. Despite positive reviews about the film “Thelma,” I was intrigued only by its main promotional image featuring June Squibb and Fred Hechinger seemingly gazing at a computer screen.

This adorable picture of what could be my future grandson and his granny sparked my curiosity, making me eager to watch it once it started streaming. As anticipated, _Thelma_ is as enchanting as described and is currently one of the top movies on Hulu. Interestingly, the film’s narrative revolves around a grandmother and her grandson, but not in the manner I had envisioned. The intriguing plot unexpectedly drew me closer to _Thelma_, touching me in ways I didn’t anticipate.

I Thought Thelma Was Going To Be A Fun Movie About A Grandmother And Grandson’s Adventure

Previously mentioned, I thought “Thelma” would be an adventure film featuring a grandmother and grandson, with the eccentric grandmother leading them on an extraordinary trip. It was anticipated to be a heartwarming tale of their connection. Contrarily, “Thelma” turns out to be centered around Thelma (June Squibb), embarking on a solo mission to safeguard herself, recover stolen funds, and possibly seek retribution. Instead, it showcases Thelma’s toughness. Meanwhile, Daniel (Fred Hechinger) in “Thelma” spends most of the movie attempting to locate his grandmother with his parents. Despite the plot deviating from what was initially envisioned, it remains a film about their unique bond between this grandmother and grandson.

His reason for searching for her arises from his worry, affection, and a hint of remorse. In the film Thelma, Daniel and Thelma don’t embark on their adventures as a pair. Instead, the movie could emphasize Daniel’s responses to his grandmother’s peculiar habits more than delving into her identity beyond being a grandmother. This movie wonderfully embodies the essence of this woman, and I think that’s because it places her at the heart of the story. This is her journey.

In a hypothetical film featuring Daniel and Thelma, the narrative focus might lean heavily towards Daniel at the expense of fully developing Thelma’s character. Essentially, such a movie could have been centered solely around Daniel’s responses to Thelma.

Squibb breathes such a vibrant and outstanding life into this character, leaving one in awe. This is undoubtedly one of her finest performances, even more impressive when considering her commitment to the role. It’s fortunate that I initially had a misconception about Thelma, as it made the film’s surprising aspects all the more enjoyable.

Instead, It’s A Movie About Aging And Death

As a cinephile, I’d say one of the most poignant films about maturing is “Thelma”. It delves deeply into the complexities of growing older, tackling head-on the fear of mortality, illness, and societal rejection as an individual perceived as no longer productive. Yet, it also underscores the privilege of aging, a concept often misunderstood as misfortune. Regrettably, the physical decline that comes with age can make it feel that way. However, “Thelma” doesn’t shy away from the challenges, but instead, it illuminates the rewards.

Daniel and Thelma acknowledge her approaching mortality with apprehension, yet they understand it’s an unavoidable reality. As time passes, I find myself contemplating aging and death more frequently, feeling the same sense of dread. However, Thelma also made me realize (and hopefully everyone else watching) that aging and death can be frightening, but they also signify a life lived so well that others will fear your departure. It’s not our endings that define us, but the life and years we experience. I didn’t anticipate this 2024 comedy (one of the best thus far) to prompt such introspection.

Thelma Is Still Really Entertaining But A Lot More Meditative About Life Than I Expected

In a surprising twist, this whimsical action-adventure comedy wasn’t just fun, it packed a powerful punch with life lessons. The film Thelma tackles aging in such an authentic, thoughtful, and self-reflective manner. While I found myself chuckling throughout the movie, its messages made me pause for thought. I watched Thelma just a few days after my birthday, and as I grow older, birthdays seem less like celebrations and more like milestones to fear. Instead of rejoicing in what I’ve achieved and being thankful for another year, I find myself dwelling on the things I haven’t accomplished by this point in my life.

In a more casual and relatable manner, one could say: While it’s common to see aging as an adversary, movies such as Thelma offer a different perspective by showcasing both the sorrowful aspects of growing old yet making us ponder on its positive sides. Thelma isn’t a character who happily welcomes aging; instead, she struggles against it fiercely, much like many others. However, this battle is one that cannot be won. Thelma seems oblivious to the fact that her charisma stems from the rich life experiences and growth that come with a long, well-lived life.

Thelma is truly impressive, considering she’s reached this significant age and developed into such a well-rounded individual.

It Made Me Think About My Relationship With Aging And With Loved Ones

In my childhood years, most of my grandparents passed away. Recently, my last living grandmother also passed on. Watching her decline due to old age is an experience I can’t shake off, as it reminds me of her demise and the harsh realities of aging. Fortunately, both my parents are still alive but they’re advancing in age, which often causes me concern about their well-being. It’s challenging not to worry about aging and those we cherish; it’s hard not to be afraid of it.

As a follower, I used to harbor constant apprehension about witnessing the aging process of my parents and loved ones, and the inevitability of their departure from this world. However, Thelma posits that we can’t dictate the pace of aging or when someone we cherish will leave us, but we can cultivate a heightened sense of appreciation and affection for them while they are still with us. We can also pay tribute to their memory, even during their lifetime. This perspective didn’t entirely alleviate my fear, but it did encourage me to be more mindful of cherishing the moments I have with my family now.

Thelma is one of the great movies about death, even if it is implied death and loss.

Thelma Also Touches On Other Interesting Topics That I Wasn’t Expecting, Like Scamming Of The Elderly

In the story of “Thelma,” Thelma and her companion Ben, portrayed by Richard Roundtree, take action against a con artist who swindles a significant amount of money from Thelma. This movie, by shedding light on the issue of phone or internet scammers who exploit vulnerable individuals using manipulation, stirs your indignation towards these fraudsters even further. Simultaneously, it demonstrates how such con artists can successfully swindle elderly people.

At times, people may criticize or label those who have been tricked by scammers, attributing their misfortune to carelessness or lack of common sense. However, as Thelma demonstrates, anyone can become a victim, regardless of their mental state, internet savviness, or emotional turmoil. This poignant story subtly underscores the importance of empathy towards scam victims, especially the elderly, as it is not something to be so lightly judged or ridiculed.

The film “Thelma” is incredibly engaging, yet it also provokes deep thought and fosters empathy. I must say it’s among the finest films I’ve ever watched that deals with the topic of aging.

Stream Thelma on Hulu.

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2024-12-17 13:07