Cannes 2025: June Squibb is Perfect in Johansson's 'Eleanor the Great'

Over these last few years in cinema, many famous actors have decided to try their hand at directing. Let's be honest – not that many are good at it, as it is an entirely different skill set and requires more creativity and leadership in addition to storytelling competence. Directing is an art. However, every once in a while we do get to discover that an actor is just as wonderful at filmmaking as they are at performing. I am very happy to report that Scarlett Johansson joins the small list of terrific actors who are also terrific directors. Her brand new feature directorial debut is a charming little original film titled Eleanor the Great, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival (right alongside directorial debuts from fellow actors Harris Dickinson and Kristen Stewart as well). The movie stars the absolutely amazing, adored 94-year-old actress June Squibb, her second lead role following her outstanding performance in Thelma last year (which premiered at Sundance 2024 and was one of my favorites at that festival). After losing her best friend of 50+ years, she moves back to New York with her family and rediscovers life anew in […]

May 21, 2025 - 01:40

Cannes 2025: June Squibb is Perfect in Johansson's 'Eleanor the Great'

Over these last few years in cinema, many famous actors have decided to try their hand at directing. Let's be honest – not that many are good at it, as it is an entirely different skill set and requires more creativity and leadership in addition to storytelling competence. Directing is an art. However, every once in a while we do get to discover that an actor is just as wonderful at filmmaking as they are at performing. I am very happy to report that Scarlett Johansson joins the small list of terrific actors who are also terrific directors. Her brand new feature directorial debut is a charming little original film titled Eleanor the Great, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival (right alongside directorial debuts from fellow actors Harris Dickinson and Kristen Stewart as well). The movie stars the absolutely amazing, adored 94-year-old actress June Squibb, her second lead role following her outstanding performance in Thelma last year (which premiered at Sundance 2024 and was one of my favorites at that festival). After losing her best friend of 50+ years, she moves back to New York with her family and rediscovers life anew in the city. // Continue Reading ›