In just under two weeks, Oscar nominee and prolific character actorJune Squibbwill take over the silver screen in her first-ever lead role with the action-comedyThelma. Before it hits theaters, however, the 94-year-old star is issuing a threat to anyone who would dare interrupt her big moment by talking or texting on their phone — she has a particular set of skills, and she will destroy you. Collider can exclusively shareAlamo Drafthouse’s latest “Don’t Talk” PSA that sees Squibb become your new worst nightmare, especially if you interrupt a screening of her new film at the premiere dine-and-drink-in venue with your poor theater etiquette.
The video sets the stage for Squibb by attesting to just how much of a threat she can be. She’s spent over 39 years honing her craft on-screen and even longer when considering her career in theater, with roles ranging fromAlexander Payne’sAbout SchmidtoppositeJack Nicholson, and Pixar’sSoul, and, most recently,the remake ofDon’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead. Rather than be gentle and delivera general lesson on how to behavewhen a movie is rolling, she instead singles out one obnoxious viewer from over ten years ago at a screening ofNebraska, her breakout film that scored her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Squibb has no patience for mid-film texters who think their phone is more important than her on the big screen, and she holds grudges. She is more than ready to bring outher innerLiam Neesonto find and kill that theater-goer if they don’t apologize.
Squibb’s vengeful warning not to talk fits perfectly with the plot ofThelma. Written and directed byJosh Margolin, the film follows 93-year-old Thelma Post, who has narrowly evaded being sent to an assisted living facility by her daughter Gail (Parker Posey) and son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg). However, when she’s scammed out of $10,000 by a scammer impersonating her grandson, she sets out to get revenge on those responsible and show that she’s stillcapable of kicking ass, taking names, and getting things done. Her friend Ben, played by legendaryShaftstarRichard Roundtreein his final feature role, reluctantly accompanies her while her family chases them down, making for a chaotic adventure that will test Thelma on every level.
Alamo Drafthouse Promises “Needlepoint Kit Screenings” for ‘Thelma’
Alamo Drafthouse is knownfor offering special screeningsfor the films it supports, andThelmawill be no exception. At select locations during opening weekend,theatergoers will be able to attend special “Needlepoint Kit Screenings,” offering complimentary custom needlepoint kitswith their tickets. These goodies marry Thelma’s love of embroidery with her desire for vengeance, as they’re called “Revenge Has Never Been Sweeter” kits.
Since its premiere at Sundance earlier this year,Thelmahas made a lot of fans out of critics.Rotten Tomatoescurrently has the film at a remarkable 98% score, with Collider’sRoss Bonaimesimilarly singing its praisesin his 7/10 review. He had especially high marks for Margolin’s script and Squibb’s turn as the headliner, writing, “In her nineties, Squibb proves that she can be an effective action star and a great lead — hopefully, this won’t be the last time we get to see her front-and-center.” The film is, in a sense, meant to beher ownTom Cruisemovie, andshe previously told Collider’sSteve Weintraubthat she was unafraid to get physical for the role. “I’ve always been physical,” she said. “I danced for three years, and so I felt I could still use my body, and I did.”
Thelmaarrives in theaters on June 21 with select Alamo Drafthouse locations offering their special Needlepoint Kit Screenings throughout opening weekend. Check out the new Don’t Talk PSA featuring Squibb in the player above and grab your tickets below.
When 93-year-old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her.
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