Thelma
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.
Despite its tight budget of $5.0M, Thelma became a financial success, earning $12.5M worldwide—a 151% return.
11 wins & 29 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Thelma (2024) exemplifies carefully calibrated narrative design, characteristic of Josh Margolin's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 38 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.6, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Thelma Post, a 93-year-old widow, lives independently but relies on her grandson Danny for tech support. She struggles with modern technology but maintains her dignity and autonomy.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Thelma receives a phone call from a scammer pretending to be Danny in trouble. Panicked and believing her grandson needs bail money, she sends $10,000 to the scammer, losing her life savings.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Thelma makes the active decision to track down the scammers herself and get her money back. She rejects her family's protective instincts and chooses action over victimhood., moving from reaction to action.
At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Thelma and Ben successfully track down a lead to the scammers' location. They feel victorious and capable, but the stakes raise - they're now in real danger and the scammers are more dangerous than expected., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Ben has a medical emergency or they face a devastating setback. Thelma confronts the real possibility that her quest could cost her or Ben their lives. The weight of mortality and her limitations crashes down., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 78 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Thelma has a realization: it's not about the money, it's about refusing to be diminished. She synthesizes her old-school grit with new understanding. She knows what she must do and who she must be., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Thelma's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Thelma against these established plot points, we can identify how Josh Margolin utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Thelma within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Thelma Post, a 93-year-old widow, lives independently but relies on her grandson Danny for tech support. She struggles with modern technology but maintains her dignity and autonomy.
Theme
Danny or a family member mentions something about aging, independence, and not giving up - establishing the theme that you're never too old to fight for yourself.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Thelma's world: her relationship with grandson Danny, her daughter and son-in-law's concern about her independence, her daily routines, and her struggles with technology in modern Los Angeles.
Disruption
Thelma receives a phone call from a scammer pretending to be Danny in trouble. Panicked and believing her grandson needs bail money, she sends $10,000 to the scammer, losing her life savings.
Resistance
Thelma realizes she's been scammed. Her family wants to let it go and involve authorities, treating her like she's fragile. She debates whether to accept being a victim or fight back. She resists being seen as helpless.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Thelma makes the active decision to track down the scammers herself and get her money back. She rejects her family's protective instincts and chooses action over victimhood.
Mirror World
Thelma reconnects with her old friend Ben, who lives in an assisted living facility. Ben becomes her partner and represents the thematic mirror - someone else refusing to accept limitations of age.
Premise
The fun and games: Thelma and Ben embark on their mission. They steal Ben's scooter, investigate leads, navigate the modern world, and become unlikely action heroes. The adventure the audience came to see.
Midpoint
Thelma and Ben successfully track down a lead to the scammers' location. They feel victorious and capable, but the stakes raise - they're now in real danger and the scammers are more dangerous than expected.
Opposition
The danger intensifies. Thelma's family desperately searches for her. Ben's health becomes a concern. The scammers prove more threatening. Thelma's age and limitations catch up with her, and the adventure becomes genuinely perilous.
Collapse
Ben has a medical emergency or they face a devastating setback. Thelma confronts the real possibility that her quest could cost her or Ben their lives. The weight of mortality and her limitations crashes down.
Crisis
Thelma processes the consequences of her choices. She grapples with whether proving her capability is worth the risk. Dark night of doubt about her mission and herself.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Thelma has a realization: it's not about the money, it's about refusing to be diminished. She synthesizes her old-school grit with new understanding. She knows what she must do and who she must be.
Synthesis
The finale. Thelma confronts the scammers, uses her wit and experience to outmaneuver them, and reclaims her dignity and agency. The final showdown where she proves her capability on her own terms.
Transformation
Thelma, transformed by her journey, is shown in a final image that mirrors the opening but demonstrates her growth. She has reclaimed her sense of self and proven that age doesn't define capability. Her family sees her differently.