In 2025, Scarlett Johansson’s presence in the film industry remained strong, highlighted by her involvement in several high-profile projects, including discussions about joining The Batman and starring in Paper Tiger. Alongside these roles, she also headlined Jurassic World: Rebirth, released in July, which earned more than $869 million globally. Amid this flurry of activity, Johansson quietly completed her debut as a director with a feature film now streaming on Netflix, marking a new chapter in her career.
A Closer Look at Johansson’s Directorial Debut, Eleanor the Great
Eleanor the Great, Johansson’s first film as a director, premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and quickly gained critical acclaim, receiving a 93% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Although it had a limited theatrical release and earned $3.74 million worldwide after its September 2025 launch, the film has since surged in popularity on Netflix, entering the platform’s Top 10.
The comedy-drama stars June Squibb as Eleanor Morgenstein, a woman who recounts the story of her late best friend, Bessie Stern, a Holocaust survivor, in a way that blurs the lines between truth and fiction. Eleanor’s relationship with Nina Davis, a college journalism student she befriends, becomes complicated as her fabrications intensify. Importantly, the film includes performances by actual Holocaust survivors, such as Rita Zohar, who portrays Bessie—an element Johansson highlighted in an interview with People.
Examining the Inspiration Behind Eleanor the Great’s Story
Although Eleanor the Great does incorporate the experiences of real Holocaust survivors in its cast, the film does not depict true events. According to screenwriter Tory Kamen, the story’s main character, Eleanor, was inspired by her own grandmother, Elinore, who similarly had a best friend named Bessie. Yet Kamen has emphasized that the screenplay is not a documentary.
“I don’t want people walking into the theater like, ‘Wait, was the writer’s Grandma a psychopath?’ because [the character] does some terrible things,”
she explained.
Johansson also drew personal influence from her grandmother when taking on the film’s directorial role. In a Parade interview, she shared how her grandmother encouraged her to pursue various artistic avenues. These connections add emotional depth to a narrative that blends fictional elements with heartfelt inspiration.
Contextualizing Eleanor the Great within Johansson’s Versatile Career
With Eleanor the Great, Scarlett Johansson expands her artistic portfolio by stepping behind the camera, marking a reflective and serious departure from her typical acting roles. This move complements her ongoing high-profile projects, such as her appearance alongside Robert Pattinson and Colin Farrell in the upcoming Batman II cast, and reinforces her dynamic presence in Hollywood.
The film’s blend of comedy and drama, coupled with its engagement of genuine survivors’ perspectives, presents audiences with a thoughtful exploration of memory, storytelling, and truth. Its rising popularity on Netflix confirms the work’s growing resonance with viewers who seek content that is both emotionally compelling and intellectually stimulating.
What to Expect Next from Scarlett Johansson
As Eleanor the Great gains traction on streaming platforms, Scarlett Johansson’s step into directing signals potentially more creative ventures ahead. Her ability to balance starring roles in blockbuster films while exploring meaningful, grounded stories as a filmmaker may influence the types of projects she pursues moving forward. Fans and critics alike will be observing her evolving career with keen interest in the coming years.
