In the highly anticipated Scarlett Johansson directorial debut, June Squibb delivers a remarkable performance that highlights her enduring talent at 95 years old. The independent dramedy, set partly in New York City and Florida, explores themes of grief, identity, and connection, bringing both actresses’ unique strengths into focus.
June Squibb Delivers a Complex Role in ‘Eleanor the Great’
June Squibb portrays Eleanor, a 94-year-old woman from Florida coping with the recent loss of her best friend Bessie, a Holocaust survivor. After many years away, Eleanor impulsively moves to New York City to reconnect with her daughter Lisa, played by Jessica Hecht, and her grandson Max, portrayed by Will Price. The family dynamic is strained, as both Lisa and Max find it difficult to balance busy lives with caring for Eleanor.
When Eleanor attends a meeting at a Jewish Community Center, she inadvertently misleads other Holocaust survivors by conveying Bessie’s harrowing experiences as if they were her own. This lie complicates her relationships, especially when Nina, a student journalist played by Erin Kellyman, starts interviewing Eleanor for a college project. The interaction between Eleanor and Nina forms the emotional heart of the film, weaving a narrative of unexpected friendship across generations.
Though the film confronts heavy subjects like genocide and loneliness, Squibb laces Eleanor with warmth and humor. Her character is unabashedly candid, often offering blunt advice that disrupts her daughter Lisa’s emotional struggles. Eleanor’s genuine openness endears her to Nina, who is dealing with her own loss of a mother and the difficulty of connecting with her father Roger, a journalist played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
The relationship between Eleanor and Nina reflects a meaningful exchange of support: Eleanor draws on her decades of life experience to guide Nina, while Nina introduces Eleanor to new perspectives and activities. This mutual mentorship illustrates the strength of female friendships during difficult times, emphasizing empathy across different ages and challenges.
The Film’s Thoughtful Approach to Aging and Empathy
Traditional Hollywood roles for older women often reduce them to caricatures, but ‘Eleanor the Great’ offers a respectful and nuanced portrayal of aging. Eleanor is not simply a sweet grandmother figure; she is flawed, sometimes manipulative, particularly in how she assumes Bessie’s history. This adds a layer of moral complexity to the character, compelling audiences to wrestle with forgiveness and understanding.
Despite her deception, Eleanor’s intentions are sourced in a desire to convey the painful realities Bessie lived through, resonating with people like Nina who need strong female role models. The film challenges viewers to consider what they might do in Eleanor’s place and whether they can embrace her human imperfections.
While Eleanor experiences guilt and joy in equal measure throughout the story, she ultimately embodies resilience. The film asserts that growing older does not preclude the possibility of new beginnings or meaningful connections. Eleanor’s journey is a celebration of life’s ongoing potential, even late into one’s nineties.
This message is mirrored by June Squibb’s own career trajectory. Having spent decades in theater and minor film roles, her recent work, including acclaimed performances in movies such as ‘Nebraska‘ and ‘Palm Springs,’ culminates in this deeply personal and challenging role under Johansson’s direction.
Scarlett Johansson’s Distinctive Debut as a Director
Scarlett Johansson, recently named the highest-grossing box office star of all time, takes a different artistic approach in her first directorial effort compared to her blockbuster acting roles. ‘Eleanor the Great’ is a heartfelt drama that draws on influences from independent films like ‘Lost in Translation’ and ‘Ghost World,’ emphasizing intimate storytelling over spectacle.
Johansson’s collaboration with June Squibb spotlights two women defying Hollywood’s norms about gender and age. Their partnership brings a sincere focus on complex emotions and interpersonal bonds, setting this film apart in a landscape often dominated by youth-centered narratives.
Cast Highlights Bringing Depth to the Story
Alongside June Squibb’s moving portrayal of Eleanor, Erin Kellyman plays Nina, a college student navigating her grief and family challenges. Jessica Hecht and Will Price support the family dynamic as Eleanor’s daughter and grandson, while Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a poignant performance as Nina’s distant father. Rita Zohar appears as Bessie, whose past catalyzes much of Eleanor’s journey.
Impact and Availability
‘Eleanor the Great’ offers a rare cinematic experience that honors the strength of older women and explores the delicate balance between truth and compassion. The film encourages audiences to view aging through a lens of empathy and ongoing vitality. It also shines a spotlight on the possibilities for mature actresses like June Squibb to headline meaningful stories.
The movie is currently available in theaters, inviting viewers to witness a heartfelt narrative shaped by the talents of Scarlett Johansson and June Squibb. Given its themes and performances, ‘Eleanor the Great’ stands to influence future films seeking to diversify portrayals of aging and female friendship.
