June Squibb in Eleanor the Great @TIFF 50

Eleanor the Great, Scarlett Johansson’s debut in the director’s chair, is a heartfelt and often funny exploration of aging, memory, and dignity. June Squibb shines as Eleanor, a feisty 95-year-old determined to confront her past while grappling with the realities of her final chapter. Squibb brings Eleanor to life with sharp humour, resilience, and vulnerability, making her feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a news anchor drawn to Eleanor’s story after it’s brought to him by his daughter, Nina — a college student portrayed by Erin Kellyman. Having recently lost her mother, Nina befriends Eleanor and writes her journalism paper about her. Their bond adds a generational dimension that deepens the film’s themes of legacy and connection.

The film blends humor with unflinching reflections on mortality. Some moments are funny in their irony, while others carry deep sadness — together forming a portrait of a life fully lived, filled with joy, regret, and honesty.

What stands out most about Eleanor the Great is its non-ageist perspective. Rather than reducing Eleanor to fragility, the film celebrates her vitality and complexity, reflecting Johansson’s clear intention to challenge Hollywood’s usual portrayals of aging. It’s rare to see an older woman placed so authentically and lovingly at the center of a story.

As a debut, it’s an impressive step for Johansson. The film isn’t flawless, but it reveals a filmmaker willing to tell the stories Hollywood often overlooks. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of Johansson’s directorial voice — and that she continues creating space for characters like Eleanor to shine. FERNTV says Eleanor the Great may be the beginning of a new era for filmmaking of supporting new voices.