Few movies can be categorized as “art imitating life” more than “Jay Kelly.” Netflix’s new comedy-drama flick comes from Noah Baumbach, co-writer of “Barbie” and director of “Marriage Story,” and sees George Clooney play a big-screen A-lister reflecting on his successful decades-spanning Hollywood career. It's a role that George Clooney is very well-suited to play.
Rated 86% by viewers on Rotten Tomatoes and climbing into the third spot in Netflix's top 10 most-watched list over the weekend, “Jay Kelly” is off to a strong start on the streaming service. It’s not hard to see why viewers are enjoying this charming but melancholic comedy-drama. Clooney is in full-on “movie star” mode in the eponymous role, and Adam Sandler is already being tipped for his first-ever Oscar nomination for his supporting turn as Kelly’s manager, who goes on his own emotional arc throughout the movie.
I caught “Jay Kelly” last month during its limited theatrical run, and I'm pleased to see it going down well on Netflix. I’d argue Baumbaunch strays a little too far into self-indulgent territory, but I mostly found “Jay Kelly” to be a pleasant and emotionally stirring celebration of cinema and the larger-than-life actors whose talent transforms them into more than names on a poster.
What is ‘Jay Kelly’ about?
Jay Kelly (Clooney) is a successful and beloved actor who has recently wrapped his latest big-screen picture. Eager to connect with his increasingly distant youngest daughter, he books a trip to Europe to crash her travels under the guise of accepting an honorary tribute award in Tuscany.
With his long-suffering manager, Ron (Adam Sandler), publicist, Liz (Laura Dern), and multi-person entourage in tow, the trip through Europe gives Kelly the chance to reflect on his career, the highs and the lows, and ponder the personal sacrifices made in the name of becoming a…