June Squibb got an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2023 and she should see her first nom for Best Actress with this role. She plays a 94-year-old woman who moves back to NYC after her best friend in Florida dies (a Holocaust survivor played by real-time survivor Rita Zohar). She accidentally ends up assuming her friend’s story, as she develops a close friendship with a young journalism student (Erin Kellyman). Squibb has that sparkle and spunk that makes this character so delightful and even more touching in the dramatic moments. First-time director Scarlett Johansson has assembled a cast that does fine work (including other survivors in the JCC group). Her direction is simple and intimate, allowing the actors to create a story about grief with touching sweetness. 
(4 / 5)
