Scarlett Johansson is not only the highest-grossing actor of all time, but she’s now a director, as well. The former MCU star just made her directorial debut with Eleanor the Great.
The drama had its world premiere during the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival. Although it received a five-minute standing ovation, the film opened to a lackluster critical score. However, as it officially hit theaters, Eleanor the Great divided the critics and audiences in the best way on Rotten Tomatoes.
Eleanor the Great, which is distributed by Sony Pictures in North America, hit theaters on Sept. 26. It took several days for the film to finally receive a score from the audience, but it was well worth the wait, as it features a near-perfect 95% approval score.
After debuting with only 60% from the critics after its Cannes debut, Eleanor the Great didn’t improve its rating once it received its theatrical release. At the time of writing, Scarlet Johansson’s film features a 65% rating out of 110 reviews. While that’s more than enough for a “positive badge,” it’s widely divisive compared to the near-perfect rating from the audience.
Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman is among those who gave Eleanor the Great a negative review. The review points out that, “There’s no denying that as a character, Eleanor “plays”, giving Squibb an opportunity to strut her granny-with-an-attitude stuff. But you’re always aware that the movie is trying to squeeze a laugh out of you..”
The Daily Beast’s Nick Schager points out Eleanor the Great is “A misguided wannabe-uplifting saga about grief, forgiveness, and keeping important memories alive,” calling it “so strange and misguided.”
Deadline‘s Pete Hammond gave the film a positive score, noting, “I wouldn’t be surprised to hear a lot about Eleanor the Great during awards season, especially when it comes to Squibb, whose moving performance is simply exquisite; there is no other word for it.”
The Hollywood Reporter‘s Lovia Gyarkye also gave the drama a positive score, while also noting, “While Johansson proves a competent helmer, it’s not enough to overcome some dizzying tonal imbalances. Still, at the very least, Eleanor the Great offers a character-driven break from the glut of sequels, prequels and whatever else studios squeeze out.”
RogerEbert.com’s Monica Castillo writes, “The film never quite recovers from the moral issue at its center, Squibb’s lively performance makes it memorable.”
The Audience Loved Eleanor the Great
Image via Sony Pictures
Although Scarlet Johansson’s directorial debut is unlikely to become a huge blockbuster, the early reception from moviegoers is encouraging. A 95% rating is clearly positive, especially amid the divisive reviews from the critics.
One audience review writes the film “Gave me the feels, from sadness to pondering my life to looking down with secondhand embarrassment.” A different person called it “A beautiful movie about aging and how precious friendships become. I loved it!” Many other opinions highlight the feel’s warm vibes, great acting, and heartwarming story.
Eleanor the Great stars June Squibb in the titular role, alongside Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The drama follows 94-year-old Eleanor, who, after losing her best friend of seventy years, befriends a 19-year-old student.
Eleanor the Great is playing in theaters.
Release Date
September 26, 2025
Runtime
98 minutes
Director
Scarlett Johansson
Writers
Tory Kamen
Producers
Celine Rattray, Charlotte Dauphin, Jessamine Burgum, Jonathan Lia, Kara Durrett, Keenan Flynn, Scarlett Johansson, Trudie Styler