'Eleanor the Great' Review: A Gentle, Graceful Drama Led by a Wonderful June Squibb
- Jack Ransom
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Jack Ransom - December 17, 2025
After the death of her oldest friend (Rita Zohar), 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein (June Squibb) moves from Florida to New York City for a fresh start. Wandering into a support group for Holocaust survivors, she tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own.
Former Avenger, current Dino survivor and soon to be entering the world of The Exorcist, one of Hollywood’s current biggest stars, Scarlett Johansson makes her feature directorial debut with a small scale, charming, moving slow-burn tale which delivers the chuckles as well as a weighty subject matter, and features a fantastic lead performance from a loveable June Squibb.
Though I wasn’t too privy to it myself, I had heard rumblings of controversy and a mixed response to the film upon its premise announcement (I think certain headlines exacerbated this), and whilst it is understandable given the sensitivity of the topic, it’s abundantly clear when watching how there was no malicious intent to mock or make light of the subject. Whilst the film doesn’t elevate from genre trappings (the screenplay hits plenty of familiar beats and you pretty much will know exactly where it’s going), it does offer a myriad of perspectives on how certain people process grief in their own ways.
Johansson keeps Eleanor the Great intimate and grounded in her direction. Sure, it’s no frills and gets the job done, but she constructs an incredibly intimate and believable circle around Eleanor, which particularly shines in the montages and sequences between her and Nina (Erin Kellyman) as their connection blossoms. The cinematography and framing is solid and whilst it is used very much on queue, the sombre piano score effectively emphasises the moving nature of certain scenes.
June Squibb is an absolute joy here as Eleanor and has enough spark, wit, snappiness and wisdom to fill a film double the length of time. I really hope she gets the recognition she deserves this awards season as she is fantastic and instantly loveable. She and Rita Zohar have natural chemistry (you really get the sense of their longstanding friendship) and her grief when recounting her history is palpable and raw. Jessica Hecht contrasts her mother with her scratchy, edgier, self-esteem lacking personality, yet clearly cares for her well being. Erin Kellyman’s good spirited, ambitious and grieving Nina is a fitting counterbalance and shows age of connection has no boundaries and lastly Chiwetel Ejiofor brings a work driven distance and pent up sadness to Roger.
Eleanor the Great is the definition of a Sunday afternoon drama. It coasts along at a slower pace and does tick off traits-and-tropes that are quite predictable, however it is carried by a brilliant lead performance (and a strong supporting cast), solid direction and intimate, personal drama.
'Eleanor the Great' released in cinemas on December 12.
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