The Lost in Translation actress and Marvel Cinematic Universe icon makes her directorial debut with Eleanor the Great , competing in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Scarlett Johansson directs the film, co-written with Tory Kamen, which follows the story of Eleanor Morgenstein, a ninety-year-old woman who, after the disappearance of her best friend, leaves Miami to start a new life in New York. Here, an unexpected friendship will be born with a nineteen-year-old boy.
“Eleanor the Great” delicately and honestly explores deeply human themes: the pain of loss, the sense of isolation and the courage to start again, even when everything seems behind us.
Through Eleanor ‘s story, the story investigates the possibility of finding authentic connections even in the most unexpected moments, challenging the stereotype of old age as the final stage of life. The screenplay intertwines the melancholic tone of mourning with moments of lightness and hope, building a narrative that encompasses the entire emotional spectrum. The relationship between Eleanor and the young boy becomes the beating heart of the story: an unlikely connection that transforms into a regenerating bond, capable of restoring meaning, openness and trust.
A scene from Eleanor the Great with June Squibb (Courtesy of Sony Picture Classics)
The film is led by June Squibb as Eleanor
June Squibb is a stage presence that combines tenderness and strength. The cast is rounded out by Chiwetel Ejiofor , Jessica Hecht and Erin Kellyman , each with characters that add depth and nuance to the narrative. Eleanor the Great is an international co-production made by Maven Screen Media , These Pictures , Pinky Promise and Wayfarer Studios , companies well-established in supporting innovative projects with a strong authorial imprint. Distribution is entrusted to two heavyweight names such as TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Classics , a guarantee of wide distribution in theaters and at major international festivals. The direction of photography is by Hélène Louvart , already appreciated for her work on independent and auteur films, while the original soundtrack is entrusted to composer Dustin O’Halloran , known for his evocative and intimate style.
A scene from Eleanor the Great with June Squibb (Courtesy of Sony Picture Classics)
With Eleanor the Great, Scarlett Johansson makes a surprisingly mature directorial debut.
Her directorial hand stands out for an intimate and attentive gaze, capable of capturing emotional nuances without ever forcing the drama. The construction of the scenes favors the details, the glances, the silences: elements that speak as much as – and more than – the dialogues. Johansson also demonstrates great ability in directing the cast, offering the actors an expressive space that enhances authenticity and naturalness. Her direction is at the service of the story, without excess or complacency, with a sensitivity that surprises those who know the actress only for her roles on the screen. Scarlett Johansson explained the personal and artistic motivations that led her to direct this film: « I wanted to tell a story that celebrates the ability of the human soul to create deep bonds at every stage of life. Eleanor the Great is a tribute to the resilience and beauty of intergenerational relationships. I firmly believe that there is something powerful in telling new possibilities, even when everything seems over ». June Squibb also shared her enthusiasm for the project, calling it « one of the richest and most significant roles of my career ».