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Actress Scarlett Johansson embarks on her directing career with the film titled 'Eleanor the Great'

Actress Scarlett Johansson makes her directorial debut with the film Eleanor the Great, premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast,...

, and ASMedia

2025 August 29 . 8:15 PM

2 min read

Scarlett Johansson leads in her directorial venture with 'Eleanor the Great'

Actress Scarlett Johansson embarks on her directing career with the film titled 'Eleanor the Great'

In the world of cinema, Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut, "Eleanor the Great", has stirred a mix of reactions, with praise for June Squibb's performance and controversy over the film's thematic handling. This captivating drama, set to be released in theaters on September 26, 2025, tells the story of Eleanor Morgenstein, a 94-year-old woman who moves to New York City after experiencing a devastating loss.

The film stars a talented ensemble cast, including June Squibb, Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Squibb's portrayal of Eleanor has been lauded as a "defiant masterclass," capturing the complexity of grief, loneliness, and vulnerability with sharp humor and emotional depth.

Johansson's direction is described as austere and clear, focusing on how loss triggers unfamiliar moral and emotional terrain. The screenplay by Tory Kamen is noted for exploring the painful seduction of false narratives to gain belonging, raising unsettling questions about authenticity and deception.

However, the film has sparked considerable controversy due to its "Holocaust appropriation" theme, with some critics uncomfortable with its comedic framing of such a grave subject. Eleanor, in an attempt to fit in, accidentally joins a support group and reveals a story that brings her unwanted attention.

Regarding awards prospects, there is no direct information on nominations or predictions yet. The film premiered at Cannes in 2025 and will be screened at TIFF before its theatrical release. Such festival premieres often indicate that the film may be positioned for awards consideration, at least in independent or acting categories, largely due to June Squibb’s acclaimed performance. However, the controversy surrounding the film’s subject matter might affect its awards trajectory.

In the film, Eleanor feels adrift and invisible in the bustling city. A young journalism student, intrigued by Eleanor's story, pursues her as a friend and mentor. Eleanor must confront the truth about her actions, ultimately learning valuable lessons about honesty, friendship, and the power of storytelling.

With "Eleanor the Great", Johansson showcases her ability to handle nuanced themes and emotions, marking a promising start to her directing career. The film is distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, and the trailer is now available for fans to watch. The film promises to be a thought-provoking journey that challenges audiences to question the power of stories and the importance of truth.