Our audience showed its strong commitment to RCC by coming to Sunnyside Hall on a very windy wintry night. Thelma (2024), written and directed by Josh Margolin and his first feature, was clearly a very attractive proposition. Its theme, a scammed older person on a mobility scooter journey to get their money back, felt cathartic, even if it was outwardly implausible.
The shorts led us to talk honestly about our own experiences of scams. One member of the group explained how they felt in ‘parent rescue mode’ when sent a fake distress message from their son.
We learnt about romance scams and the subtle cunning language used from fraudsters. Often people weren’t asked for money initially but put in a position where they felt under an obligation to give cash. We felt people with learning disabilities, as in one of the short films, were far more vulnerable, but we all had the potential to be scammed.
We did explore our responses to the humour in Thelma. We accepted all the slapstick stuff as an element of comedy. While some wondered if there were some patronising elements and ageism going on, others felt we weren’t laughing at the seniors but with them. One member of the group had filmed in a care home and found the elderly people ‘riotous’ to be with.
There were moments, particularly with Richard Roundtree’s character, which were especially tender, touching and true. We agreed that June Squibb’s portrayal of the real Thelma (Josh Margolin’s grandmother) was a lovely heartwarming role to play. A 93-year-old playing a 103-year-old was something to celebrate.
We pointed out how Daniel, Thelma’s grandson (very sensitively played by Fred Hechinger) was in a similar situation to his grandmother. He wasn’t given his freedom by his parents and seemed lacking in confidence about what he could achieve in life. He may have had ADHD or dyslexia. He appeared blocked and incapable when he thought of his future. His vulnerability was touching, as was the way his grandmother gave him hope.
A Tupperware of Ashes, a moving National Theatre play with Meera Syal, was mentioned as being relevant. Her character struggles with dementia and leads us to reflect on the mystery of people’s inner worlds.
Thelma was a simple film in many ways, but it kept us engaged and on the edge of our chairs. And it led to a very thoughtful discussion.
Anne
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