Scarlett Johansson’s “ambitious” new movie will leave you a “absolute sniffling wreck”

The freshly released film titled “Eleanor the Great” starring Scarlett Johansson is generating initial responses, with some viewers predicting they’ll be left in tears, saying it could make them a complete “puddle of emotion.

In the upcoming movie, a renowned Marvel actor steps into the director’s chair for the first time and centers around Eleanor Morgenstein, a 90-year-old woman portrayed by June Squibb, who relocates to New York City. There, she forms an unconventional bond with a 19-year-old individual.

The movie recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, but initial responses from critics have been somewhat divided – at the moment, it has a rating of 67% ‘fresh’ on Rotten Tomatoes based on 12 reviews.

In a highly favorable review, Jada Yuan of The Washington Post stated on X: “I’m completely tearful following the viewing of Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut ELEANOR THE GREAT, and the recognition June Squibb received at #cannes2025 was well-deserved.

Kate Erbland from IndieWire commented: “It’s somewhat foreseeable, a bit strange, a touch humorous, yet deeply melancholic. However, it’s also a bold attempt at exploring the potential of films and the types of stars they can feature. This work seems poised to pave the way for both the director and writer into promising new phases in their careers.

Fionnuala Halligan from Screen International proposes that this New York film weaves together the Holocaust and Jewish identity in a sweeping, emotional narrative of truth and healing.

As a devoted admirer, I found myself captivated by Johansson’s directorial approach that prioritized genuine emotion over rigid storytelling. This strategy resulted in powerful performances from the cast, albeit with a caveat: they were allowed a certain level of freedom, which at times could border on indulgence.

In a more critical assessment, Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian stated that the movie appears to be ill-informed and oversimplified regarding the complexities of its Holocaust subject matter.

He mentioned that the overly sentimental, television-like style of the storyline couldn’t capture the harrowing reality of the central narrative – the existential crisis – nor did it address the secondary issue of deciding when and if to place an aging family member in a care facility.

Among the main cast of Squibb, you’ll find Eleanor the Great, along with actress Jessica Hecht from Breaking Bad, Chiwetel Ejiofor known for his role in Doctor Strange, and Erin Kellyman, a star from Willow.

Eleanor the Great is yet to confirm a release date.

The debut print issue of Digital Spy’s magazine, titled “British Comedy Legends,” is available for purchase! Grab your copy from local newsagents or online stores for only £3.99.

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2025-05-21 19:49