Scarlett Johansson has embarked on her journey as a director with a film that resonates deeply with her personal heritage. Her debut, “Eleanor the Great,” is a heartfelt buddy comedy that weaves a tale of unexpected friendship across generations. Set around a nonagenarian storyteller and a young journalism student, the film shines a spotlight on the talents of 95-year-old June Squibb, who stars as the titular Eleanor. Previously a New Yorker, Eleanor finds herself living with her daughter after years spent in Florida. In a comedic turn of events, she inadvertently joins a group for Holocaust survivors at a community center and fabricates stories as though she were part of their history.
This captivating narrative draws in Nina, played by up-and-coming British actress Erin Kellyman, 26, forming the core of this cross-generational relationship. Squibb, an Oscar-nominated actress known for her role in “Nebraska” and more recently “Thelma,” was drawn to the project because of its captivating script by Tory Kamen. Her character Eleanor is a blend of sharp wit and hidden warmth, offering saucy quips and tender moments, especially with her best friend Bessie, portrayed by Israeli actress and Holocaust survivor Rita Zohar.
Johansson, 40 and a native of Manhattan, draws inspiration for her project partly from personal history, having discovered that her great-uncle and his sons were victims in the Warsaw ghetto. Collaborating with the USC Shoah Foundation, she deliberately cast real Holocaust survivors, capturing their stories and reflecting their histories on screen, thus adding depth and authenticity to the film. Through “Eleanor the Great,” Johansson not only steps confidently into her new role behind the camera but also pays homage to her roots, crafting a narrative that is both thought-provoking and endearing.