Quaint humour and wholesome gags about retired life collide with a character-driven, Coen Brothers-inspired thriller in Thelma. In her best role since her Oscar nominated work in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska, June Squibb proves her chops as a late-career lead as the titular golden-ager.

Lonely albeit confidently independent in Los Angeles, Thelma isn’t seen as a liability to her daughter (Parker Posey), her son-in-law (Clark Gregg), or her grandson (Fred Hechinger). However, a phone scam that robs Thelma out of $10,000 has her family keeping a closer eye on her. Though the family doesn’t mean to judge their beloved elder, Thelma feels as though this scare has pushed her flaws towards the forefront. To prove herself and reassure others, she sets out across L.A to find the scammer and get her money back.

A loosely autobiographical tale about a similar scam that fooled writer/director Josh Margolin’s own grandmother (who, at 103-years-old is as sharp as a tack), Thelma is a brilliant action-comedy that humbly hits all of the right notes; playing towards its heartfelt strengths without being too showy or schmaltzy. Squibb earns our empathy in genuine ways just as often as she makes us chuckle. The actor leans into the distractions that tickle her character’s fancy, and is able to alternate between Thelma’s lighthearted charm and steadfast determination flawlessly.

The talented cast have effortless chemistry with each other, which allows Squibb’s co-stars to tag her out of the spotlight to share the heavy lifting.  Hechinger, as Thelma’s bright and encouraging grandson, is a key player as is Thelma’s accidental partner-in-crime Ben. Ben is played by the late Richard Roundtree of Shaft fame, in a perfect final role where he embraces age while being as cool and as funny as he ever was.

Thelma is a bonafide crowd-pleaser, and one of the best movies of the year.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie