Parents' Guide to

Thelma

Movie PG-13 2024 97 minutes
Thelma Movie Poster: A needlepoint-decorated image of June Squibb on a scooter, wearing sunglasses

Common Sense Media Review

Monique Jones By Monique Jones , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Heartwarming action film counters stereotypes; language.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

age 10+

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

Thelma is one of the funniest, warmest action films you'll ever see. Squibb does a great job in her first ever leading role (!) as the title character, showing vulnerability, courage, and heart. The film hilariously turns action films on their head by showing how actions that younger people might view as no big deal—like walking up a flight of steps—can actually be terrifying for folks in their 90s. But Thelma takes on all of these challenges and inspires viewers to think more about how Western society often treats its older members.

In his final screen performance, Roundtree shines as Ben, a man who has lost much and blames his age for it. Ben and Thelma teach each other about what it means to be elderly. As they find out, there are some setbacks—such as not being able to do everything you used to do. But there's still a lot of life left to live, and there are still new things to learn. Thelma argues loudly and clearly that older people aren't burdens to dispose of; they're our family and deserve to be listened to, respected, and allowed to live their full lives.

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