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Jay Kelly Opens in Theaters as Critics Praise Clooney, Question Baumbach’s Sentiment

A nostalgic, 35mm-shot drama reaches its Nov. 20 theatrical launch with strong performances offset by complaints of sentimentality.

Overview

  • Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, the film premiered at Venice earlier this year and begins its theatrical run on Nov. 20.
  • George Clooney plays a famous actor in personal crisis who covertly tails his younger daughter's European trip.
  • Adam Sandler co-stars as the devoted manager, with Laura Dern, Riley Keough, Billy Crudup, Greta Gerwig and others in supporting roles.
  • Baumbach embraces a retro approach with built sets and 35mm cinematography, shifting from his usual New York milieu to a Europe-set story.
  • Reviews note engaging performances and craft but describe the film as predictable and overly sentimental, placing it below Baumbach’s top work.