June Squibb Shines in Debut Film ‘Eleanor the Great,’ But Story Feels Familiar
Table of Contents
- 1. June Squibb Shines in Debut Film ‘Eleanor the Great,’ But Story Feels Familiar
- 2. A Risky Premise, A Familiar Journey
- 3. An Unlikely Friendship Develops
- 4. Squibb’s Performance Steals the Show
- 5. The Enduring Power of Storytelling and Intergenerational Connections
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Eleanor the Great’
- 7. What specific pacing issues detract from the film’s ability to build tension, according to the review?
- 8. Johansson’s Directorial Debut spirals into Deception in ‘Eleanor the Great’ Review
- 9. The Premise & initial Expectations
- 10. A Disconnect Between Style and Substance
- 11. Moreau’s Performance: A Radiant Spot
- 12. The Deceptive Narrative & Historical Inaccuracies
- 13. The “Eleanor” Name Debate & Its Relevance
- 14. Technical Aspects & Sound Design
- 15. Johansson’s Directorial Style: A Work in Progress
New York, NY – Scarlett Johansson‘s first venture behind the camera, “Eleanor the Great,” premiered on Friday, September 26th, in limited release. The film, penned by Tory Kamen, centers around a compelling, yet ultimately foreseeable, story elevated by the captivating performance of veteran actress June Squibb.
A Risky Premise, A Familiar Journey
The film begins with a striking moment-a dramatic twist that initially feels daring and taboo. Eleanor, portrayed by the 95-year-old Squibb, grapples with a new chapter in her life after relocating from Florida to Manhattan following the death of her close friend, Bessie.She’s adjusting to living with her daughter, Lisa, and reluctantly attends a choir class at a local Jewish community center.
Though, Eleanor unexpectedly finds herself drawn into a support group for Holocaust survivors. In a pivotal and controversial decision, she shares a fabricated account of survival, recounting Bessie’s harrowing experiences escaping a Polish concentration camp.This initial deception sets in motion a chain of events that forms the core of the narrative.
An Unlikely Friendship Develops
The lie, initially intended as a one-time occurrence, gains momentum when Eleanor connects with Nina, an NYU journalism student, who expresses interest in profiling her. This encounter blossoms into an unexpected friendship, born out of shared loneliness and grief-Eleanor mourning Bessie, and Nina navigating the loss of her mother. Both women also struggle with strained relationships with their families, creating a bond that transcends generational differences.
Their connection deepens through shared experiences, including lunches, attending a bat mitzvah, and a trip to Coney Island, as Eleanor decides to have a bat mitzvah herself, claiming she never had one due to the war.
Squibb’s Performance Steals the Show
According to critics, while the script may falter in its depth and nuance, June Squibb’s performance is undeniably the film’s strongest asset. She imbues Eleanor with warmth, humor, and a touch of defiance, captivating audiences even amidst the story’s predictable turns. Her previous acclaimed role in last year’s action-comedy “Thelma” further solidified her as a rising star at 94 years of age.
| Film | Release Date | Director | Starring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eleanor the Great | September 26,2025 | Scarlett Johansson | June Squibb,Jessica Hecht,Erin Kellyman |
| Thelma | 2024 | Pauline Chalamet | June squibb,Richard Roundtree |
Did You Know? According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,approximately 496,000 Holocaust survivors were living in the United States in 2020. Source: USHMM
Pro Tip: Supporting self-reliant and limited-release films helps cultivate a diverse cinematic landscape.
While Johansson’s direction is considered adequate, it doesn’t fully explore the moral complexities of the narrative. The film relies heavily on Squibb’s charisma to carry the emotional weight, often keeping Eleanor distanced from direct confrontation with the survivors, perhaps to mitigate the uncomfortable implications of her deception.
Ultimately, “Eleanor the Great” is a touching, albeit somewhat slight, story about friendship, loss, and the search for connection. The film’s impact might potentially be fleeting, but Squibb’s performance is certain to resonate with audiences.
The Enduring Power of Storytelling and Intergenerational Connections
The film touches upon the importance of preserving personal histories and the value of intergenerational relationships. Studies show that strong social connections contribute to improved mental and physical well-being, especially for older adults. Furthermore, sharing stories-even those born from difficult circumstances-can foster empathy and understanding. According to a 2023 report by AARP, loneliness and social isolation are significant public health concerns, impacting millions of Americans.
Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Eleanor the Great’
What are your thoughts on the film’s exploration of sensitive subject matter? Do you believe Squibb’s performance will earn her further acclaim?
Share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion!
What specific pacing issues detract from the film’s ability to build tension, according to the review?
Johansson’s Directorial Debut spirals into Deception in ‘Eleanor the Great’ Review
The Premise & initial Expectations
scarlett Johansson’s foray behind the camera with “Eleanor the Great” arrived with important buzz. The film, a psychological thriller starring rising talent Anya Moreau, promised a complex character study wrapped in a suspenseful narrative. The story centers around Eleanor Vance (Moreau),a celebrated historian whose meticulously constructed life begins to unravel following a series of unsettling discoveries about her family history.Initial trailers hinted at a slow-burn mystery, drawing comparisons to films like “the Others” and “Rebecca,” fueling anticipation amongst fans of the thriller genre and Johansson’s established fanbase. the marketing campaign heavily emphasized the film’s exploration of identity, legacy, and the unreliable nature of memory – key search terms driving pre-release interest.
A Disconnect Between Style and Substance
While visually stunning – cinematographer Greig Fraser delivers breathtaking shots, particularly in the film’s isolated coastal setting – “Eleanor the Great” ultimately falters due to a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, but often feels meandering rather than suspenseful. Key plot points, intended to be shocking revelations, are telegraphed well in advance, diminishing their impact.
* Visuals: Fraser’s work is undeniably the film’s strongest asset, creating a palpable atmosphere of dread.
* Pacing Issues: The deliberate slowness doesn’t build tension; it tests patience.
* Predictable Twists: The narrative relies on twists that feel contrived and lack genuine surprise.
Moreau’s Performance: A Radiant Spot
Anya Moreau delivers a compelling performance as Eleanor, navigating the character’s descent into paranoia with nuance and vulnerability. She manages to elevate the material, imbuing Eleanor with a sense of fragility that resonates even when the plot feels shaky. However, even Moreau’s talent can’t fully compensate for the script’s shortcomings. Supporting performances are largely forgettable, lacking the depth needed to make a significant impact. The casting choices, while not inherently flawed, feel misaligned with the overall tone of the film.
The Deceptive Narrative & Historical Inaccuracies
The film’s central deception revolves around Eleanor’s genealogical research, uncovering a hidden history of betrayal and scandal within her family. However,the historical elements,while presented with a veneer of authenticity,are riddled with inaccuracies. This isn’t simply a matter of artistic license; the misrepresentation of historical events feels careless and undermines the film’s credibility.
The “Eleanor” Name Debate & Its Relevance
Interestingly, the film’s title itself sparks a minor debate, echoing discussions found online (like those on Nameberry). The name “Eleanor,” frequently enough pronounced differently – Eleanor, Elena, or Ellena – carries historical weight and connotations of strength and nobility. The film doesn’t fully capitalize on this inherent symbolism, rather using the name as a superficial marker of the character’s perceived status. This missed chance highlights a broader issue: a lack of attention to detail in the film’s thematic exploration.
Technical Aspects & Sound Design
Beyond the cinematography, the technical aspects of “Eleanor the Great” are competent but unremarkable. The sound design, while effective in creating a sense of unease, relies heavily on jump scares and predictable musical cues.The editing feels disjointed at times, further contributing to the film’s uneven pacing. The score, composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, is atmospheric but ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression. Comparisons to Guðnadóttir’s work on “Joker” are unavoidable, and unfortunately, this score pales in comparison.
Johansson’s Directorial Style: A Work in Progress
“Eleanor the Great” reveals Johansson’s potential as a director, but also highlights areas for enhancement. Her visual eye is evident, and she clearly has a knack for creating atmosphere. However, the film demonstrates a need for stronger narrative control and a more nuanced understanding of character development. This directorial debut feels like a promising first step, but ultimately falls short of expectations. The film’s failure isn’t a lack of ambition,but a lack of execution.
