“Review of ‘Eleanor the Great’: June Squibb shines in Scarlett Johansson’s debut as a feature director”

Scarlett Johansson presents audiences with a wonderful gift in Eleanor the Great by providing June Squibb with a role that truly showcases her talents. The 95-year-old Academy Award-nominated actress, who impressed critics with her performance in the action-comedy Thelma last year, brings her delightful charm to the titular character, delivering a performance that is both hilariously funny and deeply moving.

Despite the unconventional premise of the movie, Squibb’s portrayal of Eleanor is flawless. Her comedic timing is sharp and engaging, whether she is reprimanding a rude grocery store employee or delivering backhanded compliments to her onscreen daughter. This type of clever humor, reminiscent of the tough grandmas from The Golden Girls, adds depth to Eleanor’s character.

What sets Eleanor apart is her refusal to be dismissed or ignored. She stands up against patronizing strangers, usually younger individuals who underestimate her due to her age. Eleanor also bravely expresses herself, even in moments of grief, making her character both compelling and relatable.

Exploring the Plot of Eleanor the Great

The story follows 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein (Squibb), who fabricates a story about being a Holocaust survivor after a social mishap. The screenplay by Tory Kamen delves into the reasons behind Eleanor’s decision, revealing that her motive is not self-serving but rather a way to honor her late best friend.

The film begins with Eleanor and her longtime friend Bessie, who supported each other through various life stages until Bessie’s passing. After Bessie’s death, Eleanor returns to New York City to live with her daughter and grandson but finds herself lonely. Seeking connection, she joins a support group for Holocaust survivors at a local community center, even though she was not one herself. Sharing Bessie’s stories with the group allows Eleanor to keep her friend’s memory alive, but complications arise when a journalism student, Nina, becomes involved and forms a close bond with Eleanor.

The Beauty of Friendship and Grieving in Eleanor the Great

Eleanor’s unconventional friendship with Nina, formed through shared grief and deception, highlights the importance of having someone to confide in during times of loss. The film recognizes the difficulty of discussing grief even with close friends, as it can be overwhelming and evoke feelings of vulnerability and mortality.

Through Eleanor and Nina’s emotional journey, the film celebrates the joy and connection that can emerge from shared mourning. By embracing their grief and memories of loved ones, Eleanor and Nina find solace in each other’s company, showing that facing loss together can lead to healing and deeper understanding.

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Eleanor the Great offers a compelling portrayal of friendship and grief set against the backdrop of New York City.

Character-Centered Comedy

Similar to Mikey Madison in Anora, Eleanor the Great is a character-centered comedy set in New York City, relying heavily on the strong lead character carrying the weight of the world around them. Squibb effortlessly embodies this role, delivering an entertaining and deeply funny performance, while also portraying an aspirational take-no-nonsense grandmother, reminiscent of personal experiences and evoking emotional responses.

Screen Presence and Chemistry

Scarlett Johansson’s film flows smoothly, exploring various locations, flashbacks, and sensitive topics, propelled by the captivating on-screen presence of Squibb and her remarkable chemistry with Kellyman as grandmother and granddaughter. Their relationship is portrayed with love and respect, avoiding ageist stereotypes and showcasing a genuine bond between different generations.

Final Act Critique

Despite the film’s overall quality, the final act deviates from the grounded narrative, veering into overly sentimental territory reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. A climactic news report feels contrived and out of place, disrupting the previously established realism of the story. While this detracts slightly from the experience, it does not diminish the impact of Eleanor the Great as a whole, which manages to resonate deeply with audiences grappling with grief and emotions.