Scarlett Johansson‘s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, has surged onto Netflix’s Top 10 movies chart in the United States after a modest theatrical run that earned $3 million worldwide. Released on Netflix on January 24, the film stars June Squibb, Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Rita Zohar, and has recently drawn attention from viewers despite mixed critical reviews.
Plot and Inspiration Behind Eleanor the Great
In this comedy-drama, June Squibb portrays Eleanor, a 94-year-old woman who returns to New York City following the sudden death of her closest friend, Bessie, a Holocaust survivor played by Rita Zohar. Adjusting to life in the city, Eleanor builds an unexpected friendship with Nina, a young journalism student played by Erin Kellyman, and soon finds herself entangled in a fabricated story that grows beyond her control. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, draws inspiration from the real-life grandmother of Tory Kamen, the screenwriter, who also moved from Florida to New York in her nineties and faced challenges in connecting with others.
Audience and Critical Reception
Eleanor the Great holds a 66% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers pointing out uneven tonal shifts throughout the film. However, June Squibb’s performance as Eleanor has received widespread acclaim. Rachel LaBonte of ScreenRant noted,
“The biggest selling point is Squibb. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she shoots off wisecracks and plenty of grandmotherly affection, and you almost wish you could be friends with Eleanor too.”
Audiences, meanwhile, have responded more favorably, as reflected in the 93% audience score on Popcornmeter. This contrast demonstrates a warmer reception from the general public compared to critics, contributing to the film’s steady presence on Netflix’s chart.
Main Cast and Notable Past Roles
June Squibb, who plays Eleanor, recently earned praise for her role in the 2024 film Thelma, portraying a 93-year-old woman seeking justice after being scammed out of $10,000. She also holds a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for Nebraska. Erin Kellyman, as Nina, is known for her roles in Solo: A Star Wars Story, Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the Disney+ Willow series, and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. The cast also features Jessica Hecht and Chiwetel Ejiofor, adding further depth to the ensemble.
Current Standing on Netflix and Cultural Impact
Since its Netflix debut, Eleanor the Great has maintained a spot within the Top 10 most-watched movies in the U.S., rotating between eighth and tenth position. Its current placement is tenth, following titles such as The Rip, M3GAN 2.0, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, Miracle: The Boys of ’80, Secret Mall Apartment, Dhurandhar, People We Meet on Vacation, and No Time to Die. This streaming success highlights the potential of Johansson’s work to resonate with viewers beyond its initial limited release, offering a reflective and heartfelt story centered on aging, loneliness, and unexpected connections.
