Thelma : Nick Chuba Shines with His First Studio Film Score

This past weekend, Magnolia Pictures celebrated a milestone with the release of Thelma, marking the year's best overall limited opening. Yet, beyond the box office success, much of the buzz surrounds the film's exceptional score, composed by Nick Chuba. This marks Chuba's debut as a solo composer for a studio film, a significant step in his already impressive career.

Nick Chuba, a composer based in Los Angeles, has been making waves in the film and television industry. After studying at USC’s Thornton School of Music, Chuba began working with renowned composer Atticus Ross in 2014. Their collaborations on numerous projects have helped Chuba hone his craft, leading to his most recent co-scoring of the critically acclaimed series Shogun with Atticus Ross and Leopold Ross. Thelma, however, is Chuba's first solo venture into the realm of studio film scoring, and he has certainly made it a memorable one.

Thelma is a clever and refreshing spin on the comedy-action genre, starring June Squibb as a 94-year-old grandmother who embarks on a quest for revenge against phone scammers. Chuba's score for the film draws heavily on the iconic soundtracks of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the work of Lalo Schifrin, famous for his Mission: Impossible TV theme. In a full-circle moment, Chuba recorded percussion for Thelma in the same studio where Schifrin’s legendary theme was created, bringing an authentic touch to the score.

Released by Milan Records, Thelma (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is now available and showcases Chuba's unique ability to blend live instrumentation with electronic production. The 20-track album captures the essence of the film, balancing the on-screen action with the emotional depth of its protagonist's journey. Tracks like Scooter Chase and Night Walk highlight Chuba's skill in creating dynamic and engaging compositions that enhance the film's narrative.

Nick Chuba shared insights into his creative process for Thelma, saying, I set out to write an action movie score from our unlikely, nonagenarian hero's perspective, melding electronic production techniques with live instrumentation that recalls the iconic ‘60s and ‘70s soundtracks. Working closely with writer-director Josh Margolin and producers Zoë Worth and Chris Kaye, we aimed to create something that bridges the comedy to the action stakes of the film, while always keeping our protagonist front and center.

The film itself, written and directed by Josh Margolin, is a poignant action-comedy that stars veteran Oscar® nominee June Squibb in her first leading role. Thelma also features the final performance of the iconic actor Richard Roundtree, known for his role in Shaft. The film’s plot, inspired by Margolin’s real-life experience with his grandmother, revolves around Thelma Post, a feisty 93-year-old grandmother who gets conned by a phone scammer posing as her grandson. Determined to reclaim what was taken from her, Thelma sets off on a treacherous quest across Los Angeles, accompanied by an aging friend and his motorized scooter.

The ensemble cast includes notable names such as Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, and Malcolm McDowell, who each bring their unique flair to the film. June Squibb, known for her roles in Nebraska and Scarlett Johansson’s upcoming directorial debut Eleanor The Great, delivers a powerful performance as Thelma, demonstrating grit and determination that defies her age.

Thelma premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has since received widespread acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 99% rating, with critics praising its balance of humor and heart. Metacritic also reflects positive feedback, with a score of 79 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.

Chuba's work on Thelma has garnered significant attention, setting the stage for his continued success in the industry. His ability to infuse traditional sounds with modern techniques creates a rich and textured auditory experience that complements the film's narrative. This project is a testament to Chuba’s talent and versatility as a composer, making him a standout figure in the world of film music.

In addition to his work on Thelma, Chuba has contributed to scores for several high-profile projects, including Dr. Death (Peacock), The Girl from Plainville (Hulu), Appendage (Hulu), and Operation Varsity Blues (Netflix). His collaboration with Atticus Ross on Shogun, set in 16th century Japan, showcased his ability to blend traditional Japanese instruments with modern techniques, reflecting the psychological depth of the characters.

Nick Chuba is also part of the experimental electronic duo VWLS, represented by Pusher Music in the trailer music industry. This diverse range of experiences underscores his capability to adapt and innovate across different genres and formats.

Thelma (original motion picture soundtrack) tracklisting : 
01 - Opening
02 - Scam Call
03 - Together
04 - Post Office Walk
05 - Entering Belwood
06 - Scooter Chase
07 - Together (Reprise)
08 - Moorpark and Tujunga
09 - Everything I Need
10 - Getting the Gun
11 - Night Walk
12 - Dual Lift
13 - San Fernando Road
14 - Antiques
15 - Harvey
16 - Transfer Initiated
17 - Counterbalance
18 - Back Home
19 - What Spirit!
20 - Thelma’s Theme

Synopsis : 
90-year-old Thelma Post is duped by a telephone scammer posing as her grandson. She embarks on a particularly perilous quest to recover what has been taken from her.

Thelma
Written and directed by Josh Margolin
Produced by Zoë Worth, Chris Kaye, Nicholas Weinstock, Benjamin Simpson, Karl Spoerri, Viviana Vezzani
Starring  June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, Malcolm McDowell
Cinematography : David Bolen
Edited by Josh Margolin
Music by Nick Chuba
Production companies : Zurich Avenue, Invention Studios, Bandwagon
Distributed by Magnolia Pictures
Release dates : January 18, 2024 (Sundance), June 21, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 98 minutes