‘BETTER THAN MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE?’ — Netflix Viewers Are Obsessed With This Action-Comedy Based on an Incredible True Story, and They’re Calling It One of the Platform’s Most Underrated Movies!!
In an era dominated by high-octane blockbusters and CGI-heavy spectacles, a quiet gem has emerged that’s winning hearts and sparking conversations across streaming platforms. Thelma, a 2024 action-comedy directed by Josh Margolin, has quietly become a sleeper hit, particularly among Netflix subscribers who stumbled upon it after its wider digital release. With its blend of outrageous stunts, sharp humor, and deeply human storytelling, viewers are hailing it as not just entertaining, but profoundly refreshing—a film that proves age is no barrier to adventure and that heart can triumph over spectacle.
At its core, Thelma follows 93-year-old Thelma Post, a sharp-witted widow living independently in Los Angeles. Played with remarkable vitality and nuance by June Squibb in her first-ever leading role, Thelma is no frail stereotype. She’s feisty, independent, and deeply frustrated by the well-meaning but patronizing concern of her family, especially her daughter Gail (Parker Posey) and son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg). Her closest bond is with her aimless but loving grandson Danny (Fred Hechinger), a Gen Z slacker who helps her with technology but struggles with his own direction in life.
The inciting incident is all too relatable in today’s world of digital scams. A phone scammer, impersonating Danny in distress after a supposed car accident, convinces Thelma to wire $10,000 to a local address. Once the family realizes the deception, Thelma is left humiliated and determined. Rather than accepting the loss or relying on authorities—who offer little help—she embarks on a personal quest to reclaim what’s hers. This decision launches a hilarious, high-stakes odyssey across Los Angeles that cleverly parodies action thriller tropes while grounding them in the realities of aging.
What sets Thelma apart is its ingenious spin on the Mission: Impossible formula. Instead of Tom Cruise dangling from helicopters or sprinting through exotic locales, we get Squibb navigating public transport, commandeering a motorized scooter, and improvising with the limited tools at her disposal. The film doesn’t mock its protagonist’s limitations; it celebrates her ingenuity and resilience. Director Margolin, drawing from his own family history, infuses the story with authenticity and affection.
The real-life inspiration adds profound emotional weight. Margolin’s grandmother, also named Thelma Post, was targeted by a nearly identical phone scam. In reality, the family intervened before significant loss, but the incident sparked Margolin’s screenplay. The film honors this by showing Thelma’s refusal to be victimized, transforming a moment of vulnerability into one of empowerment. At the film’s end, touching footage of the real Thelma—now over 100 years old—meets Squibb, bridging fiction and reality in a heartfelt way.
Thelma’s journey isn’t solo. She reconnects with Ben (Richard Roundtree, in his final film role), an old friend and widower living in assisted living. Their unlikely partnership forms the emotional and comedic heart of the movie. Riding Ben’s flashy red two-person scooter, the duo faces misadventures that range from getting lost in sketchy neighborhoods to stealing a gun from an elderly acquaintance for “protection.” Their dynamic crackles with banter, regret, and reconciliation. Ben calls out Thelma’s stubborn independence, rooted in her grief over her late husband, while Thelma helps Ben confront his own past losses. Roundtree brings dignity and warmth to Ben, making his final on-screen appearance a poignant farewell.
The action sequences are a delight. Expect scooter chases that parody high-speed pursuits, tense stakeouts at a rundown antique store, and clever improvisations involving hearing aids and basic technology. Thelma’s confrontation with the scammers—Harvey (Malcolm McDowell) and his grandson Michael—blends tension, humor, and unexpected empathy. Harvey’s operation is small-time and desperate, humanizing the antagonists without excusing their crimes. Thelma’s resourcefulness shines as she uses a combination of guile, family tech support from Danny over the phone, and sheer determination to turn the tables.
Family dynamics provide rich subtext. Gail and Alan represent the generational tensions many face: the desire to protect aging parents clashing with their need for autonomy. Posey and Gregg deliver comedic yet relatable performances as overprotective yet loving relatives. Danny’s arc, paralleling Thelma’s, explores purpose and self-worth. Their intergenerational bond—built on mutual respect rather than obligation—is one of the film’s most touching elements. By the end, Thelma’s adventure not only recovers her money but strengthens family ties and affirms that everyone, regardless of age, has agency.
Critically, Thelma has been a standout, boasting a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average of 7.7/10. Reviewers praise its avoidance of cheap elderly jokes in favor of genuine humor and empathy. It tackles serious issues—scams targeting seniors, the loss of independence, grief, and the fear of becoming a burden—with lightness and respect. Squibb’s performance is universally acclaimed; at nearly 95 during filming, she performed most of her own stunts, including scooter scenes, earning admiration and awards buzz.
Audiences echo this enthusiasm. On Netflix and other platforms, viewers call it “laugh-out-loud funny,” “heartwarming,” and “surprisingly thrilling.” Many relate to the scam fears or family dynamics. Seniors appreciate seeing capable older characters, while younger viewers enjoy the action parody and emotional depth. It appeals across ages, a rarity in today’s fragmented media landscape.
Budgeted modestly at around $3 million, Thelma grossed over $13 million theatrically, proving word-of-mouth power. Its success on streaming cements its status as an underrated favorite. Margolin’s debut feature, which he also wrote and edited, showcases confident filmmaking. The score by Nick Chuba enhances the adventurous tone, while cinematography captures Los Angeles in both gritty and vibrant lights.
Beyond entertainment, Thelma delivers meaningful messages. It challenges stereotypes about aging, showing that vitality, humor, and courage persist. It highlights elder vulnerability to scams while celebrating resistance. Themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and appreciating loved ones before it’s too late resonate deeply. The mid-credits scene, mirroring a conversation between Margolin and his real grandmother, reinforces life’s beauty and fragility.
In a crowded streaming world of franchises and formulaic content, Thelma stands out for its originality, heart, and charm. It delivers adrenaline without excess, comedy without cruelty, and drama without melodrama. June Squibb’s tour-de-force turn, supported by a stellar ensemble including the legendary Roundtree, makes it unforgettable.
Whether you’re a fan of action spoofs, family stories, or underdog tales, Thelma delivers. It reminds us that the most extraordinary adventures can start from the simplest acts of defiance—like a 93-year-old grandmother refusing to be swindled. As viewers binge and rewatch, its reputation as one of streaming’s best hidden treasures only grows. If you haven’t seen it yet, clear your schedule. This low-key masterpiece might just be better than you expect—and every bit as thrilling as the blockbusters it playfully echoes.
