Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, made its mark at the Cannes Film Festival, aiming to challenge audiences’ views on forgiveness and empathy. The film stars 95-year-old June Squibb as Eleanor, a woman who, through a case of mistaken identity, tries to pass herself off as a Holocaust survivor while adjusting to life in New York City. Johansson, a two-time Oscar nominee best known for her role in Black Widow, said the film reflects a timely theme about society’s quickness to judge and solidify opinions, a tendency she finds limiting.
Johansson’s move into directing was unplanned but came at the right moment in her career. She was immediately drawn to the script, which she described as “a little gem,” appreciating its blend of humor and depth. The connection between Johansson and Squibb was clear from the start, with Squibb expressing enthusiasm for the film’s nuanced tone. Squibb, recognized for her roles in About Schmidt and Nebraska, said that she felt compelled to take part as soon as she read the script, echoing Johansson’s sentiments.
Eleanor the Great competes in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, known for spotlighting unique and emerging voices in cinema. This year’s lineup is particularly competitive, featuring directorial debuts from other actors such as Harris Dickinson and Kristen Stewart, making the category a notable showcase for new talent. Despite the film’s warm reception at the premiere, including a five-minute standing ovation, critical response was mixed.
Some critics found the film’s handling of its sensitive subject matter problematic. The Guardian gave it two out of five stars, criticizing it for misjudging the gravity of its premise. Meanwhile, Variety described the film as an unconvincing crowd-pleaser, suggesting that while it resonated with audiences, it struggled to fully capture the depth of its complex themes.
Regardless of the mixed reviews, Johansson’s first outing as a director reflects a bold step toward exploring meaningful social themes through cinema. The film’s focus on empathy and the challenges of judgment in modern society invites viewers to reconsider their own perceptions, making it a noteworthy addition to the diverse offerings at Cannes this year.
READ MORE: