Johansson’s Eleanor the Great Draws Divided Reviews

Scarlett Johansson makes her feature directorial debut with Eleanor the Great, a Sony Pictures Classics release starring June Squibb that began a limited theatrical rollout on September 25. Critics are sharply divided: the Boston Globe called the film morally reprehensible and poorly executed for its handling of a plot about a woman posing as a Holocaust survivor, while Rolling Stone and festival coverage praised June Squibb’s commanding, scene‑stealing performance and defended the project as a modest, character‑driven choice. The film received a warm standing ovation at Cannes even as some reviews criticized its subject matter. As part of the publicity, Johansson appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in New York wearing a strapless Balmain black midi styled with a bold gold statement belt, chunky gold jewelry and a red lip — a look widely covered by fashion outlets. Johansson told Forbes she is taking time to consider what will be artistically fulfilling and what audiences want as she balances directing and acting.