JIFF: Eleanor the Great

The Story

“[June Squibb] delivers her zingers with the crack timing of an old person whose perception of the world is ageless in its bombs-away, truth-telling joy.” – Variety  

“A sentimental story of truth and reconciliation …  – Screen Daily  

“An ambitious swing at what movies can still be ” – IndieWire

Australian Premiere

After a devastating loss, Eleanor, a sassy, wise-cracking 94-year-old, moves from Florida to New York City to live with her daughter Lisa and grandson Max. To encourage her out of the house, Lisa suggests Eleanor visit the local Jewish community centre to make some new friends. There, Eleanor accidentally winds up in a Holocaust support group where she tells a moving story of survival and resilience. But there’s one small problem – the story isn’t hers. 

June Squibb (Nebraska, Thelma) is perfectly cast to bring this bold and brassy nonagenarian to life. At the heart of the film is a charming intergenerational friendship between Eleanor and Nina, a young journalism student who’s inspired to write an article about Eleanor’s story. This heartwarming comedy marks an assured debut in the director’s chair from Scarlett Johansson, exploring themes of ageing, truth, loss and our human impulse to tell stories.

Rating

Unclass15

Duration

98 min

Country

United States

Language

English

Cast

June Squibb, Erin Kellyman, Chiwetel Ejiofor

Director

Scarlett Johansson