Eleanor the Great: Scarlett Johansson’s First Film as Director Wins Hearts at Cannes 2025

Scarlett Johansson has done something different this year. We all know her from popular films like Lucy, Black Widow, and Marriage Story. But this time, instead of acting, she has directed her first movie, Eleanor the Great. The film was shown at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 and got a very warm response. People stood up and clapped for six minutes after the movie ended. That says a lot.

In this blog, Film Daily will share everything about this new film—from what it’s about, who acted in it, how Scarlett did as a director, and what people are saying.

What Is the Movie About?

The story is about a 94-year-old woman named Eleanor Morgenstein. After her best friend Bessie dies, Eleanor feels very lonely. So, she decides to move from Florida to New York City to live with her daughter and grandson.

One day, she joins a support group meant for Holocaust survivors. But there’s a twist—Eleanor never went through the Holocaust. Instead, she starts telling the group stories she heard from her late friend Bessie. Slowly, she starts acting like those stories are her own. The movie then takes us through her journey—of grief, memory, and finding meaning in life again.

The story may sound serious, but it also has many light and funny moments. It talks about age, friendship, and how it’s never too late to feel important again. These are feelings many of us can relate to.

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Who Plays Eleanor?

June Squibb plays Eleanor, and she is also 94 in real life. That makes her performance even more special. She shows a wide range of emotions—she makes you laugh in some scenes and brings tears in others. People at Cannes said her acting was one of the best parts of the film. Some even think she might get nominated for big awards this year.

Apart from her, the cast also includes:

• Chiwetel Ejiofor
• Jessica Hecht
• Erin Kellyman

They all did a good job, but the movie really belongs to June Squibb. Her quiet but strong performance keeps the movie moving.

Film Daily will keep an eye on how this movie performs at award shows.

Scarlett Johansson as a Director

This is Scarlett’s first time directing a full-length movie. That’s a big change from her usual role in front of the camera. Many people were curious to see if she could handle it—and she did.

Her direction is simple and clear. She doesn’t try to make things too fancy or dramatic. She focuses more on the people in the story and their feelings. The script was written by Tory Kamen, but Scarlett added her own touch, especially in how the scenes are shown and how the characters connect.

Some viewers said the pacing was a little slow in parts and that the visuals could have been better. But overall, people liked her way of telling the story. It felt honest and personal.

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How People Reacted at Cannes?

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the biggest platforms for movies. Getting your film shown there is a big deal. When Eleanor the Great was shown, the reaction was very positive. As mentioned earlier, the film got a six-minute standing ovation.

Critics had good things to say too. Some called it “touching and thoughtful,” while others praised the story for being different from the usual. The movie is not full of action or flashy visuals. It takes its time to show small but meaningful moments. And that worked well with the audience.

Film Daily covers major film festivals like Cannes, so stay with us for more reviews and reports.

What You Can Expect from the Movie?

If you’re planning to watch Eleanor the Great when it comes to theatres, here’s what you can look forward to:

• A strong central story about a 94-year-old woman who finds a new reason to live
• A mix of funny and emotional scenes that make you think
• A great performance by June Squibb
• A calm and gentle tone that suits the story

The film is being distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, and it will likely be released in theatres later this year. The release date has not been confirmed yet, but it should be out soon.

We at Film Daily will let you know once that’s announced.

Final Thoughts

Eleanor the Great is not a loud or dramatic film. It’s simple, emotional, and full of heart. Scarlett Johansson has done a good job in her first role as a director. And June Squibb has shown that age is no limit when it comes to acting with skill and passion.

This movie is a reminder that meaningful stories don’t always need big budgets or special effects. Sometimes, all you need is a strong script, honest acting, and a director who cares about the story.

If you enjoy quiet but powerful movies, then Eleanor the Great should be on your list.

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