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Scarlett Johansson's 'Eleanor the Great' Premieres at Cannes to Mixed Reviews and Standing Ovation

The directorial debut stars June Squibb as a 94-year-old navigating grief and identity, earning praise for its emotional depth but facing criticism for tonal inconsistencies.

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Scarlett Johansson, director of the film "Eleanor the Great" in competition for the category Un Certain Regard, poses on the red carpet during arrivals for the screening of the film "Vie privee" (A Private Life) Out of competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
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Overview

  • Scarlett Johansson's first feature film, 'Eleanor the Great,' premiered in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section, receiving a five-minute standing ovation.
  • June Squibb stars as Eleanor Morgenstern, a widow who moves to New York and joins a Holocaust survivors group under false pretenses, grappling with themes of grief, friendship, and forgiveness.
  • The film has sparked awards-season speculation, particularly for Squibb's performance, which critics have widely praised as moving and nuanced.
  • While many reviews highlight the film's emotional resonance and humor, others critique its uneven tone and handling of sensitive historical themes.
  • Johansson described the project as deeply personal, emphasizing its exploration of empathy, memory, and intergenerational connection.