Scarlett Johansson’s Eleanor the Great: A Cannes Film Festival 2025 Review
Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, presents a poignant story wrapped in a veil of comedic missteps at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. With a remarkable performance from 94-year-old June Squibb, the film—while ambitious—struggles to balance its heavy themes of grief and identity against the backdrop of a sentimental narrative.
A Sentimental Journey Awaits
At its core, Eleanor the Great chronicles the journey of Eleanor Morgenstein, played by Squibb, a retired widow navigating the complexities of life after losing her best friend, Bessie (Rita Zohar). The film dives into the impact of loss and the façade Eleanor constructs to cope with her grief, ultimately leading her down a path fraught with deception.
The Premise: A Comedy-Drama Intricately Woven
Eleanor shares a deep camaraderie with Bessie, historically rooted in their experiences as aging women. With Bessie’s death, Eleanor relocates back to New York, moving in with her daughter, Lisa (Jessica Hecht), and grandson Max (Will Price). The film explores how Eleanor attempts to keep Bessie’s legacy alive, resulting in an unexpected weave of humor and heartbreak.
An Accidental Lie
After being nudged into the social scene at a local Jewish Community Center, Eleanor mistakenly enters a support group for Holocaust survivors, where she decides to channel Bessie’s memories as her own. This decision, while intended to honor her friend, plunges her into a web of ethical dilemmas and lies.
Performance Highlights: A Tale of Intrigue
June Squibb’s compelling performance shines, particularly in poignant moments reflecting Eleanor’s guilt and turmoil. However, the film often feels like it holds back; Johansson, while not lacking in directorial skill, sometimes lets the narrative’s weight overshadow the emotional depth that could have flourished.
Fleeting Moments of Clarity
While Squibb navigates her character’s evolving emotions, the plot often quickens to superficial resolutions. The film’s pace detracts from its potential for intimacy, missing opportunities to deeply engage with Eleanor’s internal struggles.
The Underlying Theme of Identity: A Political Lens?
Eleanor the Great hints at weighty themes without fully addressing them, particularly when it comes to Jewish identity and the co-opting of cultural narratives. As Eleanor and newcomer Nina (Erin Kellyman) bond over shared experiences, the film flirts with contemporary issues, notably those that have surfaced since the tragic events of October 7, 2023.
Navigating Grief and Connection
Both Eleanor and Nina grapple with loss, albeit from differing perspectives. Nina’s desire to connect with her Jewish roots juxtaposes Eleanor’s complicated journey. Yet, the film tends to sidetrack its central narrative to focus on their nascent relationship, often losing sight of the pressing moral questions raised by Eleanor’s dishonesty.
A Missed Opportunity: Balancing Comedy and Drama
Despite its earnest intentions, Eleanor the Great struggles to meld humor with the gravity of its themes. The timeline feels disjointed, and the comedic elements often undermine the film’s emotional heft, leaving audiences with a feeling of dissatisfaction as the underlying themes remain unaddressed.
Final Thoughts: Scarred but Not Broken
In retrospect, while Eleanor the Great showcases moments of brilliance, its clumsy handling of profound subjects detracts from its overall effectiveness. As Scarlett Johansson steps into her role as director, the film serves as both a tribute to resilience and a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit in the face of grief. Despite its many missteps, it showcases the undeniable talent of its lead and raises important questions about identity and storytelling in a contemporary context.
For more information about Eleanor the Great, visit Decider and explore additional reviews and insights regarding its nuanced themes and character arcs.
Siddhant Adlakha is a New York-based film critic and video essay writer originally from Mumbai. His insights can also be found in prominent publications like The New York Times, Variety, and The Guardian.
