Overview
- Netflix released Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly on Dec. 5 following a limited theatrical run that began Nov. 14.
- George Clooney plays an aging movie star who impulsively heads to Europe after a mentor’s death, traveling with his entourage as Adam Sandler’s devoted manager tries to hold things together.
- Critics commend Clooney’s vulnerable lead performance and highlight Sandler’s nuanced work, with several outlets noting early Oscar buzz for his role.
- Some reviews call the film indulgent or scattered even as they applaud standout moments, including Billy Crudup’s single extended scene and the ensemble featuring Laura Dern and Riley Keough.
- Co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, the film employs meta devices and stylized flashbacks, with craft contributions from cinematographer Linus Sandgren and composer Nicholas Britell.