Interview: June Squibb (‘Thelma’) is Firing on All Cylinders and Having the Time of Her Life [VIDEO]

Watching Academy Award nominee June Squibb scoot and shoot through her delightful new action film Thelma, a quote from the late Maggie Smith in her Oscar-winning role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie immediately sprang to mind: “You…must be on the alert to recognize your prime, at whatever time it may occur, and live it to the full.”

At 94, June Squibb is absolutely in her prime. After decades of sterling supporting work, Thelma marks her first leading role, and it’s an action film to boot. This made for a delightful press angle (Squibb calling out other action stars saying she can kick their asses remains a genuine highlight of this year’s many movie marketing tactics). Yet, having seen the film twice, it’s clear writer/director Josh Margolin’s film (based off his actual grandma, the real Thelma Post) is also so much more: it’s a feisty buddy comedy, a nuanced meditation on aging and loss, and a spirited discussion of independence and capability and vulnerability. The message has resonated with audiences: the indie film has made more than $10 million at the box office, boats an incredible 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, and has received glowing audience reviews. Thelma cements Squibb as a captivating movie star unlike any other, with a truly unprecedented career arc.

I spoke with Squibb recently about the whirlwind of press around Thelma, the agelessness of the film’s message about friendship and purpose and self-reliance, the joys of working with other older actors (including her late, legendary co-star Richard Roundtree), and why an unprecedented, miracle of a film like Thelma deserves to be in this year’s awards discussion.

Watch full interview below.