5 Movies That Portray Elderly Characters In A Thoughtful And Original Way

by

There are numerous films that celebrate the journey of growing older, demonstrating that we don’t have to fear the process of aging. Instead, retirement can signify excitement, adventure, and happiness, as many stars over 50 have proven. Contrasting common stereotypes of the elderly as frail or forgetful, these five movies offer unique and thoughtful portrayals of senior characters.

This version maintains the original’s tone while making it easier for readers to understand and follow.

Thelma (2024)

In my perspective as an admirer, “Starring June Squibb from Nebraska, Thelma follows the story of a spirited 93-year-old woman who falls victim to a scam involving a supposed grandson requesting $10,000. Instead of giving in to defeat, she embarks on an adventure, joining forces with a friend and her actual grandson, to track down the con artist and retrieve her hard-earned money.

Although it’s sad to witness Thelma being mistreated, your sympathy vanishes swiftly when you observe how skillfully the movie portrays aging. As she found inspiration watching Tom Cruise perform daring stunts at his age, this retiree chose to take a chance and refuse to let her ’90s age deter her from recovering what was taken.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at how Thelma glides effortlessly through scenes like a gust of wind on her scooter, even performing her own thrilling stunts! Watching her tumble over beds and skillfully handle firearms is quite the spectacle. Despite being a senior citizen, Thelma’s character shines with originality and depth in this comedy. It’s refreshing to see an elderly protagonist steer the narrative without relying too heavily on the youthful characters that surround her, demonstrating both independence and thoughtfulness.

Thelma is available with your Hulu subscription.

The Intern (2015)

In the film titled “The Intern“, Anne Hathaway and Robert DeNiro deliver outstanding performances that shine brightly. The story revolves around a fashion company specializing in e-commerce, managed by Jules Austin, which employs seniors as interns. Contrary to the typical portrayal of retirees as weak, outdated, or grouchy, De Niro’s character, Ben Whittaker, breaks these stereotypes. He is depicted as a flexible individual who uses his years of experience to provide sound business advice to Jules and assist his younger coworkers in navigating their personal challenges.

As a cinephile, I found myself drawn to Ben’s unique blend of traditional and modern sensibilities. While he preferred to dress sharply in a suit and carry a briefcase, he was also eager to learn from the younger generation. For example, he delved into understanding the dynamics of Facebook and the realities of being a stay-at-home father. Not only did Ben manage to make retirement seem appealing with his readiness for dates and active social life, but he also demonstrated that growing older doesn’t mean the end of one’s story. Instead, it showcases an opportunity for seniors to remain valuable contributors to the next generation, just as the younger generations can learn from them in return. The Nancy Meyers comedy is a refreshing and thought-provoking portrayal of this concept.

The Intern is available to rent on various streaming platforms.

Secondhand Lions (2003)

When Walter’s mother sent him to stay with his great-uncles Hub and Garth during his teenage years, he had no idea that these two old men had lived lives full of excitement, reminiscent of the daring adventures of an Indiana Jones character. Although they had grown older, they didn’t let age slow them down; instead, they embraced their retirement by recklessly flying planes, brawling with teenagers in bars, attempting to shoot at traveling salesmen, and engaging in numerous other thrilling escapades. Rather than accepting aging as a reason to fade away, they chose to celebrate life, making the most of their remaining vitality.

Besides showcasing Hub and Garth in unique, heartfelt depictions of the elderly, the film “Secondhand Lions” also features a significant character: Jasmine, a tamed, elderly circus lion. Although she was aging, Jasmine exuded vitality when caring for and guarding Walter, her ‘adopted cub’. This highlights that if there’s a spark of adventure within someone or something, age cannot quell that spirit from flourishing.

Secondhand Lions is available to watch for free with ads on YouTube.

Cocoon (1985)

Under the guidance of director Ron Howard, the film Cocoon presents a charming and unique tribute to growing older. Prior to the arrival of extraterrestrials at a Florida retirement community, the elderly inhabitants experienced physical constraints or feelings of solitude. However, upon discovering that aliens had placed an invigorating substance into a pool near the residence, the seniors who secretly bathed in it started feeling revitalized. They found themselves dancing exuberantly, scaling trees, and bursting with energy they hadn’t felt in years. This invigorating substance stirred the dormant vitality trapped within the aging bodies of the residents, bringing their youthful spirits to life once more.

As a cinema enthusiast, I must say that the science fiction film “Cocoon” resonated deeply, despite being set in a fantastical universe. The alien visitors presented the elderly residents with an intriguing choice: to leave their earthly lives behind for immortality. This dilemma made me ponder whether I’m prepared to embrace new experiences or accept the inevitable march of time and mortality. The film, which won an Academy Award, cleverly employed aliens as a catalyst for a journey exploring the fears, hopes, and potentialities that come with growing older, demonstrating its originality and thoughtfulness.

Up (2009)

Instead of typically portraying older characters as jokes in animated films, Up remarkably broke the mold for Pixar and family movies in general. The opening ten minutes presented a heart-wrenching yet touching depiction of a couple who had been together since their youth. Carl and Ellie experienced milestones true to life such as buying a house, careers, pregnancy, miscarriage, and Ellie’s death during old age, which is certain to bring tears to your eyes. In contrast to most animated movies intended to make children laugh, this Academy Award-winning Pixar film served up a dose of realism that set the stage for Carl’s desire for adventure in his later years.

Due to Ellie’s heartfelt wish that they both embark on an adventure in the enchanting Paradise Falls before her end of life, Carl ingeniously attached countless balloons to their home as transportation. However, Boy Scout Russell unintentionally joined them and a tempest caused chaos by scattering everyone across South America. Despite each challenge, Carl found that setbacks often led to unexpected new adventures inspired by his deep affection for Ellie. Unlike a mere sidekick or source of humor, Carl is a multi-dimensional character, serving as the primary storyteller in Up, offering a unique and poignant portrayal of growing old with grace.

Up is available with your Disney+ subscription.

It’s exciting to watch a film that makes growing old seem inspiring rather than something to fear. Such movies demonstrate that portraying the elderly in unique ways indicates that aging doesn’t mean life loses its luster. With a zestful outlook and optimism, there’s always more opportunities for excitement and adventure ahead.

Read More

2025-02-23 02:09