June Squibb shines in Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut. Read our honest Eleanor the Great review to see if this Cannes film is brilliant or bust.
Hollywood’s sweetheart Scarlett Johansson has stepped behind the camera for the first time. Her directorial venture, Eleanor the Great, premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Everyone was curious to know how she would approach such a personal and emotional story. This review of Eleanor the Great dives in deep into the film, the message, the performances, and if it is worth all the hype.
A Quiet Start That Instills Feeling
Eleanor the Great starts with the story of Eleanor Morgenstein, a 94-year-old woman played by June Squibb. Eleanor has just lost her dearest friend and is struggling with immense sadness. She moves from Florida to New York to live with her daughter and grandson.
From the initial shots, the movie is slow and tenderly paced. This Eleanor the Great review cites that even if it is subdued, it is richly layered with emotions. The movie never rushes. Instead, it permits viewers to settle into Eleanor’s life—one that is filled with memories, regret, and fervent yearning for connection.
June Squibb Is the Heart of the Film
In all of the Eleanor the Great reviews, June Squibb stands out as the undisputed star. At 94, she delivers a powerful performance that is both tragic and comic. Her character is lived-in and true to life, even in quiet moments. Squibb portrays Eleanor as an individual who is searching—not for adventure or fame—but for meaning in her later years.
Her ability to say so much with such few words is what sets the film apart. This Eleanor the Great review believes that Squibb deserves awards for this role. She brings depth, humor, and integrity that will touch many hearts.
A Lie That Turns Into Friendship
The most surprising part of the movie is the fiction Eleanor creates. She joins a support group of Holocaust survivors. Even though Eleanor is not a survivor, she presents to the group a story that belonged to her deceased best friend.
This deception brings her closer to Nina, a young college student and Jewish woman who wants to narrate the “experience” of Eleanor. As this friendship becomes closer, the truth becomes harder to hide.
This Eleanor the Great review sees this twist of plot as a brilliant attempt at mapping the borders of identity and loneliness. It wants to know: Is the dishonesty quite so evil, or is it Eleanor’s way of saving her friend’s story?
A Director’s Personal Touch
Scarlett Johansson brings her Jewishness to the story. This review of Eleanor the Great views her as being especially personal and sensitive in her approach. She doesn’t try to over-dramatize. She pushes instead for the quiet little moments of humanity.
Johansson is supported by cinematographer Hélène Louvart in creating warm, welcoming shots. The film’s style is soft and emotive, and that fits the story. Johansson also worked with composer Dustin O’Halloran in creating a soft, poignant soundtrack. The music is sparse but intense, and it adds feeling without overwhelming the action.
Supporting Cast Shines Too
This Eleanor the Great review also is just as full of praise for the supporting cast. Erin Kellyman infuses Nina with energy and sympathy. Her rapport with Squibb’s Eleanor is spontaneous and moving. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Hecht, and Rita Zohar are also impressive.
The actors act out their own anguish and aspirations as characters. The movie shows how different generations deal with loss, history, and forgiveness. Each character contributes to Eleanor’s life journey, making the story richer.
Some Critics Aren’t Convinced
Not everyone is convinced that the movie is a success. Some Eleanor the Great review articles say that the movie is “wobbly” or “unconvincing.” They think the tale is too sappy or has no grand moments.
This Eleanor the Great review picks up on those points but believes that the power of the movie is its gentleness. Not every film needs to yell. Some, like Eleanor the Great, whisper but make a lasting impression.
A Story That Touches on Real Pain
One of the most potent themes of the film is one of sorrow. Eleanor is a woman who has lived the majority of her life but continues to mourn the loss. She misses her best friend. She cannot connect with her daughter. And she is lost in a fast-moving world.
This Eleanor the Great review considers the movie to be a riveting exploration of memory and aging. It does not depict Eleanor as a caricature. Instead, it characterizes her as a whole person—with warts, humor, and wisdom.
A Love Letter to Female Friendship
Eleanor’s best friend, Bessie, never appears on screen but hovers over the entire film. This review of Eleanor the Great sees their friendship as the emotional core of the film. It is rare to see a film that respects the bond between two elderly women so much.
Eleanor’s lie about being a Holocaust survivor isn’t meant to deceive for fame. It’s her way of holding on to the memory of someone she loved deeply. This makes her more human—not perfect, but deeply real.
Visuals and Music Add Depth
This Eleanor the Great review must mention the visuals and music. The film is filled with soft colors, simple sets, and emotional lighting. It looks and feels like a memory.
The music is gentle and warm. It harmonizes with the narrative, such that one can feel the emotions without being too overpowering. It’s yet another instance of how Scarlett Johansson approaches storytelling gently.
A Strong Beginning for Scarlett Johansson
Johansson has spent years in front of the camera, but never behind one. It’s Eleanor the Great review that says that she acted well. She chose a significant story, worked with genius individuals, and put her inner soul into the image.
It is not a perfect film, but it’s full of love and dedication. That makes it a great starting point for Johansson’s directing career.
Eleanor the Great Review Says: See It More Than Once
Because of its gentle spirit and emotional resonance, this movie gets better with multiple viewings. This Eleanor the Great review encourages viewers to see it more than once. Each time, you might pick up on something new or feel differently.
Final Thoughts
To answer the elephant in the room—the big question in this Eleanor the Great review—Is it brilliant or bust? The short answer is: It’s closer to brilliant.
It’s not a flashy movie. It doesn’t attempt to be loud or bold. But it’s a gentle, heartwarming story with humor, honesty, and heart. For those who enjoy emotional dramas and great performances, this movie is a must-see.
June Squibb’s acting, Scarlett Johansson’s subtle direction, and the film’s moving plot all come together in a harmonious way. This Eleanor the Great review says it’s an unusual film—one that’ll stick with you long after the credits are gone.
FAQs About Eleanor the Great
1. What is the plot of Eleanor the Great?
Eleanor the Great is a movie of a 94-year-old lady who tells lies so that she feels she is someone’s. She assumes to be a Holocaust survivor by taking her friend’s past. This brings unexpected friendships and emotional truths.
2. Who stars in the movie?
June Squibb stars Eleanor. Erin Kellyman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Jessica Hecht are just a few of the other actors.
3. Is it Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut?
Yes. Eleanor the Great is her first film as a director, and many reviews praise her.
4. What does the film say?
The film talks about sorrow, remembrance, identity, and pardon. It is everything about how humans deal with suffering and how individuals relate to one another, even at an advanced age.
5. Is Eleanor the Great a true story?
No, it’s fiction. But it’s rooted in real emotions and motifs of Scarlett Johansson’s personal and cultural background.
Overall, this Eleanor the Great review considers Scarlett Johansson’s debut an earnest triumph. With good acting, emotional depth, and silent strength, Eleanor the Great proves that a quiet story can create big ripples.
Amber Saif