Is Thelma based on a true story?

As a movie critic with a personal connection to elder abuse, I was both intrigued and moved by the new film “Thelma.” The story of a vulnerable older woman taking matters into her own hands to confront those who scammed her struck a chord with me, as I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of financial exploitation on elderly individuals.

There aren’t many tales told about elderly individuals using their own initiative to rectify the injustices inflicted upon vulnerable seniors by scammers and keeping their hard-earned money.

The new film “Thelma” narrates a similar tale. Directed and written by Josh Margolin, the production features June Squibb in her first leading role at 94 years old. As the eponymous grandmother, she embarks on a risky adventure using her mobility scooter to confront those who stole £10,000 from her savings.

With Tom Cruise from Mission: Impossible serving as her inspiration, and the help of her grandson Danny, played by Fred Hechinger, as well as her elderly friend Ben, portrayed by the late Richard Roundtree, Thelma manages to locate the target. Throughout this process, she reflects on aging’s complexities and faces her own mortality.

But is the film actually based on a true story? Read on for everything you need to know.

Is Thelma based on a true story?

The film draws inspiration from a true story about Margolin’s grandmother Thelma Post, who makes an appearance in the movie’s finale and continues to live at the ripe age of 103.

The film dramatically portrayed several elements of Thelma’s story, such as her personal growth and encounters. However, it’s true that Thelma herself was once victimized by a phone scam remarkably like the one depicted in the movie.

Margolin described in an interview with Creative Screenwriting how the scam call scene in the film closely resembled a real-life experience of hers. The details and sequence of events were very similar.

“A call came in for her, with a person impersonating me, claiming that I had struck a pregnant woman with my car and was in jail.”

In real life, Margolin luckily stepped in to prevent any harm, but this experience inspired him to create a movie where his grandmother boldly went out to retrieve it.

In the film, many scenes are fabricated, but the character is deeply inspired by Margolin’s genuine grandmother.

She shared some home movies with me, which he had produced featuring Thelma. These clips were brief and watching them was similar to quick errands like grocery shopping or working on a computer. They were small, personal projects of his that I watched prior to filming the actual production.

Based on my personal experience, I strongly believe that the script was exquisitely crafted and laid out with such care. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, making it a joy to read and follow. The character development was so clear that you could easily grasp who each person was just from reading the script. This is why I used it so extensively in my work.

Thelma is now showing in UK cinemas.

2024-07-19 12:35

Is Thelma based on a true story?

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