Thu May 22 10:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**June Squibb Shines in Scarlett Johansson’s Directorial Debut, “Eleanor the Great,” A Comedy-Drama With a Twist**
**New York, NY** – Veteran actress June Squibb, 95, delivers a tour-de-force performance in “Eleanor the Great,” a new film directed by Scarlett Johansson. The movie, described as both a mouthy comedy and a sentimental drama, follows Eleanor Morgenstein (Squibb), a wisecracking 94-year-old forced to relocate to New York City after the death of her lifelong best friend, Bessie, a Holocaust survivor.
The film initially presents Eleanor as a sharp-tongued, irreverent character, reminiscent of Alan Arkin, who uses her wit as a shield. However, “Eleanor the Great” delves deeper, exploring the complexities of her personality and the secrets she harbors.
Seeking companionship, Eleanor stumbles into a support group for Holocaust survivors at a local Jewish Community Center. In an act of desperation and a desire to connect, she begins to fabricate a story of her own survival, appropriating Bessie’s experiences as her own.
Her deception draws the attention of Nina (Erin Kellyman), an NYU journalism student who becomes fascinated by Eleanor’s story. As Nina begins to investigate, the film explores themes of grief, identity, and the search for connection. A convenient twist reveals that Nina’s recently widowed father, Roger (Chiwetel Ejiofor), was the news anchor obsessed by Eleanor and Bessie while living in Florida.
While some critics argue that the film could have leaned more into the comedic potential of its premise, Squibb’s performance is universally praised for its wit and charm. “Eleanor the Great” marks a significant moment in Squibb’s career, showcasing her range and cementing her status as a leading actress.
“Eleanor the Great” is poised to be a contender during awards season.
First Piper 