“Eleanor the Great,” directed by Scarlett Johansson in her feature debut, is a poignant yet complicated portrayal of friendship, grief, and reinvention. Led by the venerable June Squibb, the story navigates the life of Eleanor, a 94-year-old woman adjusting to a new chapter in New York City after the death of her longtime friend and roommate, Bessie.
The narrative initially charms with its depiction of daily life shared by nonagenarians in Florida. However, upon relocating to New York, Eleanor finds herself crushed by loneliness and unwanted by her daughter Lisa and grandson Max, who seem intent on placing her in an assisted living facility. Her pursuit of companionship inadvertently ropes her into a misleading situation as she falsely claims to be a Holocaust survivor while attending a group meeting at a Jewish Community Center.
As the plot evolves, Eleanor becomes entangled in a web of her own making, particularly after she bonds with Nina, an NYU journalism student mourning her mother’s death. Their friendship, though heartwarming, is built on precarious foundations that threaten both characters’ emotional states as the truth edges closer to discovery. This potential for exposure looms over Eleanor, making for an uneasy viewing experience.
Though well-acted, particularly by Squibb and Erin Kellyman, the film unfortunately leans too heavily on its contrived premise. The screenplay, penned by first-time screenwriter Tory Kamen, introduces a theme of memory preservation, but it’s too fleeting and inadequately developed. Johansson’s direction stays faithful to the essence of a classic New York character drama, emphasizing performances over cinematic pizzaz, yet her future as a filmmaker remains uncertain.
“Eleanor the Great” ultimately balances its performances against a script that places its characters in uncomfortable predicaments. Despite its flaws, the film’s exploration of connection and resilience resonates. Released by Sony Pictures Classics and rated PG-13, “Eleanor the Great” offers memorable performances, making it a worthwhile film experience for audiences.