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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.

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.