The Wasteland Reviewer

Jey Kelly (2025) Written Review

What is the legacy of Jay Kelly? In the realm of Noah Baumbach’s latest film, Kelly is a towering movie star with plenty of hits and success on the big screen. But his life off the big screen has left a lot to be desired. A life of glories and regrets is a mixed bag for sure. Such a figure certainly would make for an engaging and interesting cinematic experience. Jay Kelly tells the story of this successful actor who runs off to Europe for a celebratory night in his name but also a chance to reconnect and get forgiveness from his family, which he neglected throughout his successful career as a movie star. 

How does Baumbach bring this story to life on the big screen (and soon to be on Netflix)? Baumbach brings his specific perspective and voice as a filmmaker. The indie comedy vibes are still there while threaded through a bigger narrative context. For a film that reaches beyond the two-hour mark, Jay Kelly is paced quite well. Baumbach brings the energy that propels the film forward at every turn. There is a strong balance of humor, drama, and emotion throughout the film. You expect some good comedic elements from a film involving Baumbach. This is not the most laugh-out-loud experience, but it does certainly have a slick sense of humor. There is plenty of tension and drama sprinkled throughout this film that explores some deeply personal elements. Most importantly, Baumbach finds the right frequency to deliver some emotional moments along the way. The film’s last 20 minutes or so layers in some deeply emotional moments that tie the film together narratively and thematically. Crisp visuals from cinematographer Linus Sandgren give Jay Kelly that Baumbach look. The score from composer Nicholas Britell is piano-heavy and delivers plenty of emotionally resonant effects along the way. 

Does the script from Baumbach and actor Emily Mortimer deliver a compelling and engaging exploration of themes and concepts? One of the biggest drawbacks of Jay Kelly is that there is just too much going on and not all of it reaches the heights of the rest of the film. This story is sprawling over two hours long and there are plenty of narrative beats stuffed into the film. But there are plenty of strong and poignant elements in this film that allows Jay Kelly to rise in quality. Jay Kelly explores the two major aspects of Kelly’s life in quite impactful ways. You see Kelly’s legacy has grown and how he engages with his peers and others in the film industry. The real heart of the film is the dynamic between Kelly and his manager, Ron. The rollercoaster ride that is their business partnership as well as friendship makes for some great drama along the way. The final moment of the film certainly makes that landing for their connection. The film also gives space for Kelly to reflect on his relationships with his various family members. There are some impressively written moments throughout the film that delve deep and deliver thematically (and emotionally). A little too loosely structured and a little too stuffed, Jay Kelly does elevate above these shortcomings to deliver an engaging narrative experience. 

Does this George Clooney-led cast rise to the occasion with Baumbach and Mortimer’s script? Clooney offers up a performance that feels authentic as he navigates a role that is semi-biographical. We see Clooney bringing this movie star character to life with a genuine feel because Clooney knows what it is like to be a movie star. But there are some emotional beats the dig deeper (especially towards the end of the film) that deliver in no small part due to Clooney bringing sincerity to the role. The biggest talking point for awards consideration must be the performance of Adama Sandler, who portrays the manager of Clooney’s Kelly. This is a much more grounded and subdued performance for Sandler, and it is rich in empathy and emotion as well. Their chemistry is fantastic and there are great tension and emotion that delivers in key moments where Clooney and Sandler share the screen. There is one key moment in the final scene of the film that says it all. The film is stacked with so many talented actors who Baumbach brings to the table. These performers bring a lot to roles that don’t always have the most screen time. But no matter the size, they fill up the screen. Laura Dern. Greta Gerwig. Billy Crudup. Patrick Wilson. Stacey Keach. And even more! Baumbach has put together quite an ensemble. 

Is Jay Kelly a big awards season winner for Netflix, Baumbach, and Clooney? The overall experience of the film is quite good. Regularly great but flawed. There are too many elements which don’t give enough space to shine for everything and everyone. But the core elements of the film deliver. Clooney and Sandler. Baumbach behind the camera. This ensemble, in general. This is a consistently engaging, if unfocused, film that has rich themes and poignant emotion that elevate it for a place of quality in the hands of Baumbach.