Scarlett Johansson Makes Directorial Debut with ‘Eleanor the Great’

NEW YORK, NY – Scarlett Johansson has taken on a new role in her career: director. Her first film, “Eleanor the Great,” premiered on September 26, showcasing a departure from her Hollywood superhero persona.

The film is a dramedy that explores themes of grief and identity, weaving in elements of Jewish culture. It tells the story of Eleanor Morgenstein, a 94-year-old woman grieving the loss of her best friend, Bessie, played by actress Rita Zohar.

In the film, after Bessie’s death, Eleanor moves in with her daughter, Lisa, and grandson, Max, in New York City. In a twist of fate, Eleanor mistakenly enters a support group for Holocaust survivors, where she begins to share Bessie’s story as her own, setting off a series of events that deepens the narrative.

Among the participants in the group is Nina, an ambitious NYU journalism student seeking a compelling subject for her class assignment. As she profiles Eleanor, a new friendship forms, mending the wounds of recent loss for both women.

Johansson made a notable choice by casting real Holocaust survivors in the group, including 85-year-old Sami Steigmann, who has become a motivational speaker. Steigmann recalls how he was invited to be in the film after being introduced to a producer connected to Holocaust survivor stories.

During filming, Steigmann accidentally became a speaking character after welcoming Eleanor’s character to the group. His single line made it into the final cut, earning him recognition and a membership in the Screen Actors Guild.

On attending the premiere, Steigmann expressed surprise at the warm welcome he received from the cast and Johansson, saying, “She was radiant.” His earlier unfamiliarity with Johansson led to a humorous moment during production.

Johansson’s motivation for creating this film stems from her personal history; she discovered through a 2017 show that her great-great-uncle was killed during the Holocaust. To honor this heritage, she collaborated with the USC Shoah Foundation to ensure authenticity in storytelling.

The film balances humor and deep emotional moments, offering a unique perspective of New York City beyond its iconic landmarks, instead focusing on the Upper East Side and the community around it.

“Eleanor the Great” is a film that promises both laughs and tears, showcasing Johansson’s evolution as a filmmaker.