Eleanor the Great review: Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut is a charming crowd-pleaser

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A star rating of 3 out of 5.

After a career in acting that spans more than two decades, Scarlett Johansson steps into directing for the first time with “Eleanor The Great.” This debut film will be shown at the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival, which might come as a shock to those who primarily link her with unconventional directors like the Coen Brothers (“The Man Who Wasn’t There”), Jonathan Glazer (“Under The Skin”) or Wes Anderson (previously “Asteroid City” and this year’s Cannes competition title “The Phoenician Scheme”).

The heartwarming tale, “Eleanor The Great,” centers around the charming June Squibb, a 95-year-old actress known for her role in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska, which earned her an Oscar nomination. In this film, she portrays Eleanor, a 94-year-old Jewish mother and grandmother residing in Florida. The story unfolds as her best friend Bessie (Rita Zohar) passes away at the beginning. A former resident of the Bronx for four decades, Eleanor moves back to New York to live with her daughter Lisa (Jessica Hecht) and grandson Max (Will Price).

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En route to a gathering for Broadway singers, she inadvertently ends up at a Holocaust Survivors Group. Without hesitation, she starts sharing that she was raised in Poland (though she hails from the Midwest) and survived the Holocaust. In reality, she’s narrating Bessie’s tale. The reason becomes unclear initially, but Eleanor goes along with it. Eventually, she crosses paths with Nina (Erin Kellyman), a student of journalism who is keen to learn about her (actually, Bessie’s) history for academic purposes.

Over time, the two develop a friendship. Living with her father Roger (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who hosts ‘The Fabric of New York’ on TV news, Nina is grappling with grief after her mother’s accidental death. It seems Roger hasn’t been there for her, instead immersing himself in his work. Not long after, stirred by memories that aren’t hers, Eleanor begins to reconnect with her Jewish faith, even undergoing a Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Written by Tory Kamen, Eleanor The Great primarily revolves around the charming dynamic between characters Squibb and Kellyman. Notably, Kellyman is recognized from prominent productions like Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Willow. However, Blitz marks one of her earlier roles, providing an opportunity for her to truly stand out. Remarkably, she holds her own against the seasoned actress Squibb.

More reviews from the Cannes Film Festival:

  • Die My Love review: Jennifer Lawrence is superb in this absorbing and quietly devastating drama
  • The Phoenician Scheme review: Wes Anderson’s latest is a quaint tale of industrial espionage
  • Eddington review: Ari Aster’s latest is thematically rich but overlong

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that some of the most memorable scenes for me are when Eleanor Squibb just effortlessly embodies her character. For instance, when she boldly scolds a supermarket clerk to track down Bessie’s pickles, reminding him they’ve been regular customers at this store for sixteen years and know the weekly delivery schedule by heart. Or when she casually mentions how her daughter was quite the popular date in high school, referring to Lisa as “the class mattress” during a conversation with her grandson. Time and again, Squibb demonstrates her uncanny knack for comedy, showcasing her exceptional talent as a comedienne.

Johansson has a straightforward and authentic approach to directing, skillfully portraying both setting and character. From the get-go, Eleanor is depicted in her pink curlers and turquoise bathrobe, but there’s no hint of derision towards elderly individuals. Instead, it’s evident that the actress deeply cares for her characters, subtly progressing the story without resorting to sensationalism, even if the plot isn’t groundbreaking.

In its initial release, this movie offers a strong first impression, delighting audiences without introducing groundbreaking concepts. However, beneath the surface, it tells a tale of loneliness and the importance of forging connections, particularly when confronting difficult topics. The script subtly incorporates Biblical references, which can make the main character, Eleanor, seem compelling, although she may not live up to the hype suggested by her title.

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2025-05-21 20:04