Jay Kelly

Plot (Spoiler-Free)

Jay Kelly, a famous Hollywood actor, finds himself at a crossroads during a break in filming. When his mentor Peter Schneider dies, Jay is hit with profound loss and regret-especially since he had recently refused to help Peter, who had fallen on hard times. Restless and unsatisfied with his life despite his success, and unable to connect with his estranged daughters, Jay embarks on an impromptu journey through Europe with his devoted manager Ron. As they travel by train through Italy, memories of his past surface-particularly regarding his family and the choices he made for his career. What begins as an escape gradually becomes a reckoning, forcing Jay to confront the gap between who he presents himself to be and who he actually is beneath the star persona.

What I Liked

The opening long take immediately establishes the film's thesis, immersing us in the chaos of a film set while maintaining perfect clarity. The cinematography and blocking work in harmony to show that everything is performance, even off-camera. Beyond Hollywood satire, the film explores a deeper loneliness-being surrounded by people whose proximity is transactional. Adam Sandler as Ron, Kelly's manager, brings genuine heart, seeing Kelly as a person rather than a brand, while Laura Dern perfectly embodies detachment and the terror of leaving controlled environments. The integration of memories feels organic, invading the present rather than explaining it. The contrast between frantic sequences and quiet moments-particularly the forest scene-powerfully conveys what remains when performance becomes impossible.

What I Didn't Like

The Lars Eidinger scene felt like a sketch rather than a necessary narrative component. The opening fight remains surprisingly inconsequential despite seeming like important setup. One or two conversations pivot abruptly in ways that didn't quite land. The dramaturgical progression of memories could have been clearer-some moments felt like vignettes without marking which stage of Kelly's internal journey they represented.

Open Questions

Is the final video genuine memory or wishful thinking? The ambiguity is powerful-if Kelly really left his family, this isn't reconciliation but self-deception. Does his final acceptance represent liberation or resignation? Is he finding freedom or simply playing the game more consciously? What's the meaning behind the cake on his rider that he doesn't actually like-extravagance as pose, individuality as brand packaging?

Final Verdict

At 8-9/10, this is my film of the year. It refuses to choose between documentary realism and Hollywood glamour, showing both as true and precisely why that's unsettling. The film masters the balance between chaos and stillness, technical brilliance and emotional honesty, asking what's left when performance becomes impossible-and having the courage not to provide comfortable answers.

I happen to catch this at the NYFF. This is the type of film we need now. It focuses on our humanity, our relationships, our joys and regrets. The movie captures accurately the working relationships of a movie star and his supporting entourage. And demonstrates the sacrifices that are sometimes necessary to achieve such success. The performances were wonderful. Adam Sandler has really come along way. He just gets better and better as a dramatic actor. His performance was heartbreaking and hopefully he'll receive many deserving accolades for it. Clooney, well, he never disappoints but this is the most vulnerable role I've ever seen him tackle and he did it superbly. I was very moved and hope everyone sees this film.

This was disappointing and I got bored in the first 15 minutes. I've never been a Clooney fan but I was expecting lots more from him in this role. It's so obviously trying very hard to promote him for another Oscar. Lots of close ups showing off his aging but still handsome face, which in my opinion, is all he has to offer. The frequent flashbacks were disconcerting and awkwardly inserted. Stacy Keach was enjoying himself. Sandler was much better, his dramatic roles are always excellent and heartfelt. This could easily have been all about him as a manager of a self-absorbed star. If you want to watch this, watch it for Sandler, not Clooney.

Some movies are not for everyone. This film isn't really about an actor or his team of people. It's about choices. The choices we all make each day and each year that add up to our life.

It feels like every middle to late middle aged person should relate to the characters in this film, even if they've made good choices (or ones they can live with).

If only we could do it over again, I wonder how we'd all do?

An aging megastar (George Clooney) discovers that he has sacrificed far too much of his magnificent 35-year career in his private life. With his entire entourage (including Laura Dern and Adam Sandler as assistants whose sole purpose in life is Jay Kelly's well-being), he follows his recently grown daughter to Paris and accepts a trivial film award in Tuscany.

Hollywood is once again searching its own navel for entertaining stories about privileged people experiencing an existential crisis. The only noteworthy aspects are the European stars in minor supporting roles. Alba Rohrwacher plays a laid-back festival employee from Italy, and Lars Eidinger appears as a German cyclist with mental health issues. Oh yes, and it was nice to see Stacy Keach again, who plays Jay Kelly's father.

You can certainly laugh in Noah Baumbach's film, but primarily at the clash between the saccharine world of a Hollywood star and the everyday reality of ordinary people. It's entertaining, but also quickly forgotten.