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First premiering at Cannes 2025 and later screening at TIFF 2025, her film has finally made its way to theaters—and it’s a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Eleanor the Great tells the story of a resilient 90-year-old woman (June Squibb) who decides to rebuild her life by returning to New York, moving in with her daughter and grandson. The recent loss of her best friend Bessie (Rita Zohar), a Holocaust survivor, has left her navigating unfamiliar loneliness. Hoping to find community, she visits her local Jewish Community Center. By accident, she stumbles into a grief group meant specifically for survivors, and in that moment of uncertainty, she chooses not to admit her mistake. Instead, she begins sharing Bessie’s story—a tale she knows intimately from their decades of friendship, late-night conversations, and countless sleepless nights haunted by Bessie’s trauma. This decision sets in motion a journey that is both heartfelt and heartbreaking.
It is here that Eleanor meets Nina (Erin Kellyman), a journalism student deeply moved by “her” story, who asks to interview her. Though hesitant, Eleanor agrees, sensing Nina’s sincerity. This is the beginning of an unexpected friendship that will change them both.
Nina’s character is richly layered. Still grieving the recent death of her mother, she struggles to find comfort with her father (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a TV newscaster whose grief manifests as emotional absence. Their strained dynamic adds depth to the film’s exploration of how people process pain differently. Nina’s search for connection drives her to Eleanor, whose warmth offers the solace she longs for. But beneath this bond lies Eleanor’s unspoken truth—a lie that grows heavier as their relationship deepens.
Determined to honor her friend’s memory and explore her own faith, Eleanor begins preparing for her Bat Mitzvah, a journey that is both inspiring and bittersweet. When Nina shares her story with her father, he becomes invested in bringing it to a wider audience, setting up a devastating reveal.
As the film crescendos, Eleanor’s daughter and grandson arrive at her Bat Mitzvah, shocked to learn of her secret involvement with the group. Their confrontation shatters Nina’s trust, leading to a heartbreaking fallout. In the aftermath, it’s revealed that Nina’s pursuit of journalism wasn’t just an ambition; it was a way to connect with her father, adding another layer of poignancy to her character arc.
At first glance, Eleanor the Great could be seen as a story of deception, but Johansson crafts something far more profound. It’s a meditation on grief, friendship, and the quiet ways people cope with unbearable loss. A standout line—“Talk about the things that make you sad”—resonates throughout the film, reminding viewers of the courage it takes to face pain head-on.
Johansson’s direction is assured and deeply empathetic. She captures small, intimate details—the way a hand trembles, the heaviness of a pause, the warmth of a fleeting smile—that make the characters feel authentic. It’s clear she’s brought her years of acting experience to the director’s chair, resulting in a film that’s emotionally rich and visually poetic.
The performances are exceptional. Erin Kellyman delivers a performance full of vulnerability and quiet strength, while Rita Zohar is mesmerizing, making every scene she’s in unforgettable. June Squibb anchors the film with sincerity and grace, commanding the screen in a way that feels effortless. It’s easy to imagine her name being discussed during awards season. Johansson’s production company, These Pictures, has proven its ability to tackle meaningful and challenging topics with heart.
Despite its relatively short runtime, Eleanor the Great hones in on a deeply impactful story that captures audiences. While I wish it had been just a bit longer to further develop certain relationships, I was deeply moved by the unlikely friendship at the heart of the film. If there’s one critique, it’s that I wanted more—more insight into Chiwetel Ejiofor’s character and his grief, more of Rita Zohar’s deeply moving presence, and a deeper exploration of Eleanor’s relationship with her daughter. Yet, even with these minor wishes, this is a nearly flawless film that left me both in awe and in tears.
“Talk about the things that make you sad.” -Eleanor
Grade: A
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Follows a 90-year-old woman trying to rebuild her life after the death of her best friend. As a result, she moves back to New York City after living in Florida for decades.
Release Date: September 26, 2025
Director: Scarlett Johansson
Cast: June Squibb , Erin Kellyman , Chiwetel Ejiofor
