“Eleanor the Great” is a 2025 American drama film directed by Scarlett Johansson and written by Tory Kamen. It stars June Squibb, Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film is scheduled for release on Friday, September 26, 2025. I recently had the opportunity to attend an early screening and was pleasantly surprised; I consider it an early season Oscar contender, especially for Best Actress for June Squibb.
Squibb plays Eleanor, an elderly widow who has been living in Florida with her friend Bessie, a Holocaust survivor portrayed beautifully by Rita Zohar. After a tragic event, the mild-mannered and comedic Eleanor moves to New York City to live with her daughter and grandson. By chance, she befriends Nina, played impressively by Erin Kellyman. Nina is the college-aged daughter of a television news personality played by the talented Chiwetel Ejiofor. As the story unfolds, it explores the lingering pain experienced by Holocaust survivors and their loved ones, skillfully directed by Scarlett Johansson.
I have seen few dramas with a primarily female cast that have moved me as much as “Eleanor the Great.” This speaks to the remarkable performance by Squibb, who delivers an outstanding portrayal. Johansson effectively uses flashbacks to enrich the narrative. Each character has experienced hardships and harbors aspirations, and as the story develops, the complexities of their relationships evolve. Ultimately, a friendship forms between two individuals from different generations, leading to emotional challenges.
I was particularly drawn to the theme of an elderly woman and a young college student developing a meaningful friendship on screen. It’s heartwarming to also witness the loving bond between a daughter and her elderly mother. The film explores themes of faith, particularly through the depiction of a temple, showing how faith communities can provide vital support and foster forgiveness. It also emphasizes the value of honesty, as well as the profound impact of grief—sometimes a grief that lasts a lifetime. In grappling with grief, we see how one friend can support another during tough times. The film illustrates the importance of sympathy over empathy, highlighting how we perceive and experience life alongside others.
When I first saw the promotional material for this movie, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Given the serious subject matter, I certainly didn’t anticipate a blend of genuine laughter alongside heartfelt tears. I was pleasantly surprised by how thought-provoking and entertaining the film proved to be, given the gravity of its themes.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate “Eleanor the Great” an appropriate 8 for the delightful surprise it brought. This is a film you may not have heard of, but it’s one that you will likely enjoy and be glad to have seen.
