Interview: Erin Kellyman and June Squibb Chat About ‘Eleanor the Great’

It feels like a treat anytime you get to see June Squibb on screen. Between Thelma last year (reviewed here) and now Eleanor the Great, it’s also just plain exciting to see the kind of showcases that filmmakers are giving her. With this latest film, Scarlett Johansson opted to make her directorial debut a centerpiece project for Squibb, which is just a wonderfully interesting decision. I love the movie, as you likely know by now, so when I was given the opportunity to talk to Squibb and co-star Erin Kellyman, I jumped at the chance. We got together on Zoom last week, right before the flick hit theaters. Today, our discussion comes your way.

In my rave review of the film here on the site, I said the following about the cast, including Kellyman and Squibb:

June Squibb turns in her best performance as Eleanor. The genius of the work, as well as the character, is that she’s often a mean old lady, one that reads people to filth. The funniest scenes are when she cuts someone down. However, the way she interacts with Bessie is beautiful, showing some wonderful chemistry with Rita Zohar, who is excellent in her handful of scenes. The same goes for Erin Kellyman, who is a terrific scene partner for Squibb. Kellyman and Chiwetel Ejiofor have a hugely emotional subplot that they ace, especially in how both play sadness. 

Below, you can see my conversation with Kellyman and Squibb. We talk a bit about Johansson and how impressive this directorial debut is, as well as her filmmaking instincts. I also get into both of these actresses and their complex roles. They’re both lovely and doing their best work to date. For Squibb especially, she’s going to be in the conversation for another Academy Award nomination. Whether she scores an Oscar nomination or not, this is a top tier performance. Eleanor the Great is in theaters now and is, without question, a must see. So, get to it…

Here now is my interview with Eleanor the Great stars Erin Kellyman and June Squibb. Enjoy:

Eleanor the Great is in theaters now!