- Noah Baumbach’s new Netflix film, Jay Kelly, stars George Clooney as an aging, self-reflective movie star in a highly meta-fictional story.
- The film follows the A-lister on a journey to a lifetime achievement award ceremony, forcing him to confront his past failures as a father and friend.
- While Clooney leads a star-studded cast including Laura Dern, critics are highlighting Adam Sandler’s supporting performance as the true heart of the movie.
- The film is being called a clever and intelligent piece of filmmaking, though some feel it’s too controlled to deliver a strong emotional punch.
A New Meta-Masterpiece from Noah Baumbach
Director Noah Baumbach is back with Jay Kelly, a new Netflix feature that delves into the complex world of Hollywood stardom. The film stars George Clooney as the title character, an aging A-list actor who bears more than a passing resemblance to Clooney himself. With his signature silver hair and world-weary charm, Jay Kelly is forced to look back on his life and career while traveling to receive a lifetime achievement award in Tuscany.
The script, co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, is a work of sharp metafiction, even using clips from Clooney’s real filmography—like Ocean’s Eleven and Out of Sight—as examples of Jay Kelly’s work. This clever blurring of lines creates a fascinating, if sometimes predictable, character study about the anxieties that haunt even the most successful figures.
Why Adam Sandler is the Film’s Real Star
While George Clooney is the undeniable lead, early reviews suggest that the film’s best qualities lie with its supporting cast. Adam Sandler, in particular, delivers a powerful performance as Ron, Jay’s loyal and long-suffering manager. Critics are praising Sandler for bringing a deep sense of humanity and soul to the film, portraying a man whose own life has been defined by his client’s massive ego.
His dynamic with Clooney’s character is described as the movie’s most compelling and affecting relationship. Alongside Sandler, Laura Dern also shines as Liz, Jay’s publicist, with the two forming a savvy and cynical duo who navigate their client’s whims. The chemistry among the supporting players provides the story with much of its emotional weight.
A Controlled Film That Impresses, But Doesn’t Dazzle
Baumbach’s direction is as sharp and intelligent as ever. The film draws inspiration from cinematic classics like Ingmar Bergman’s Wild Strawberries to explore its themes of aging and regret. However, this same control is also a point of criticism, with some reviewers noting that the film feels too polished and machine-tooled, lacking the raw, messy emotion of Baumbach’s previous works like Marriage Story.
Ultimately, Jay Kelly is a thoughtfully crafted film about fame, failure, and the transactional relationships of Hollywood. While Clooney gives a solid performance as the flawed leading man, it’s Adam Sandler’s heartfelt portrayal that truly steals the spotlight, giving the film a much-needed dose of soul.
Image Referance: https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/14/movies/jay-kelly-netflix-movie-review-george-clooney