George Clooney and Adam Sandler Embark on a European Journey in Noah Baumbach's 'Jay Kelly'

Get ready for a star-studded dramedy about fame, family, and finding yourself, hitting select theaters soon and landing on Netflix later this year.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on What You Need to Know

• Noah Baumbach directs George Clooney as aging movie star Jay Kelly, who goes on a chaotic European journey of self-discovery.
• Adam Sandler and Laura Dern co-star as Kelly's long-suffering manager and publicist, with their performances already generating awards buzz.
• The film delves into fame's impact on personal life, blending humor, pathos, and a touch of meta-Hollywood magic, arriving in select theaters November 14 and on Netflix December 5, 2025.

A Hollywood Icon's Unexpected Trip into Self-Discovery

Picture this: a famous movie actor, seemingly having it all, suddenly decides to ditch a new project and jet off to Europe to "stalk" his youngest daughter. Sounds like the start of a wild ride, right? Well, that's exactly what you get with Noah Baumbach's latest film, Jay Kelly, which stars none other than George Clooney as the titular Hollywood icon.

Clooney's character, Jay Kelly, is an aging star who's been crushing it in the movie business for decades. But behind the silver screen persona, he's grappling with a serious identity crisis. He's been so good at being a movie star that he hasn't been so great at being... himself. Or a father. Or a friend. This realization sparks an impromptu European vacation, throwing his entire entourage into a bit of a panic.

The film has been compared to everything from Babylon (but with Netflix's backing!) to Jerry Maguire in the acting world, and even the classic road trip comedy Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Jay's journey takes him through poignant flashbacks of his past, touching on his big break and the moral dilemmas that came with it, to meetings with his first child's mother and a beloved director he let down. These moments are filled with a "soft-focus sadness," as one reviewer noted, painting a picture of a man loaded with regret.

An All-Star Cast Delivering Seriously Impressive Performances

While the film's tone might be a bit of a rollercoaster (some critics found it "tonally all-over-the-place" with "cartoonish characters" popping up), the cast is universally praised for "awards-worthy performances." It's clear that Baumbach assembled a dream team, and they delivered.

George Clooney as Jay Kelly: The Star Playing the Star

Clooney essentially plays a version of himself – an aging, suave, and charismatic icon. He's "magnificent in the contemplative moments" and showcases his signature comedic timing, even as Jay navigates being a "doofy dad" to his daughters, Jessica (Riley Keough) and Daisy (Grace Edwards). He’s brilliant at playing a man who's never been deep but has been able to fake it onscreen, forcing him to confront a real crisis of self-reflection. His performance allows the film to intentionally blur the line between character and actor, grounding Jay Kelly in a relatable reality even amidst his privileged chaos.

Adam Sandler and Laura Dern: The Unsung Heroes Behind the Star

Joining Clooney on this wild ride are Adam Sandler as Ron Sukenick, Jay's long-suffering manager, and Laura Dern as Liz, his publicist. Sandler's "nice-guy turn" is already generating significant awards hype, with his character described as "the audience projection" during the film's more exasperating moments. Ron has sacrificed much of his own life for Jay's success, leading to a complex relationship where he tells his boss, "You're Jay Kelly, but I'm Jay Kelly too."

Dern's Liz is the "tough-love mom" to Sandler's "gentle father," constantly trying to wrangle Jay and keep things from spiraling. Their dynamic is a highlight, offering both comedic relief and genuine emotional depth as they confront the toll Jay's career has taken on their own lives.

A Deep Bench of Talent in the Supporting Ranks

The film boasts an impressive ensemble, with several actors making a significant impact in supporting roles:

• Billy Crudup delivers a "phenomenal turn" as Timothy, Jay's old drama school buddy whose opinion of Jay has soured over the years.
• Stacy Keach plays Jay's "ball-busting father" in a memorable final-reel encounter.
• Other notable cast members include Greta Gerwig, Emily Mortimer (who also co-wrote the script!), Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, Louis Partridge, Isla Fisher, Lenny Henry, and Eve Hewson.

"This character has a lot more regrets than I would have, because, luckily for me, fame came much later in my life. I got to figure out how to live life before I figured out how to be famous, and I don't think this character did."

— George Clooney on his character, Jay Kelly

Noah Baumbach's Unique Vision for Examining Stardom

Director Noah Baumbach, known for his sensitive and insightful dramas like Marriage Story, revealed that the idea for Jay Kelly had been "a long time coming." He credits his friend and co-writer Emily Mortimer with helping him solidify the story, inspired by the questions she asked as he shared his early concepts.

Baumbach explains his fascination with actors: "An actor is somebody who plays roles for a living, and is always sort of not themselves." He explores how a movie star, who represents humanity in all its failings, effectively "loses your name in some way" when they become famous. This film is his deep dive into that very notion, exploring the sacrifices not only actors make but also what their dedicated teams go through.

Producer David Heyman, a frequent collaborator with Baumbach, praised the director's "distinctive vision," noting that "every single decision he makes, every single frame, is managed and curated." Heyman added that the film "made me laugh, and it made me cry, because it’s about all of us... It’s about regret, it’s about acceptance, and it’s about life."

When Memories Become Movies: A Deep Dive into Meta-Fiction

One of the film's most talked-about elements is its meta-fiction approach, culminating in a final scene where Jay Kelly watches a reel of George Clooney's actual career highlights, from The Peacemaker to Syriana and The Thin Red Line. Clooney himself admitted he initially thought they'd use an AI version of his career, making the real footage a surprising and impactful choice.

This powerful sequence, described as evoking "gravitas and emotion," directly addresses Jay's earlier line: "All my memories are movies." The film smartly plays with the line between celebrity and reality, using Clooney's own filmography to explore what it means to live a life so intertwined with the silver screen. Baumbach, who co-wrote the script with Mortimer, masterfully uses this device to explore whether to "admonish his star or celebrate him," ultimately landing in a bittersweet middle ground that resonates long after the credits roll.

Critical Reception: A Bittersweet Blend of Humor and Heartache

While some reviewers found the film's tonal shifts jarring, swinging from profound melancholy to "heightened and over-the-top" sitcom moments, the core message and performances have largely won over critics. It's been called a "muddled melodrama" but also a "shrewdly winsome affair" and a "clever crowd-pleaser." The consensus is that while the journey might be "downright odd" at times, the outstanding acting, particularly from Clooney and Sandler, keeps audiences engaged.

Jay Kelly is ultimately a showbiz comedy with a big heart. It recognizes the "warts" of the industry but still serves as an "odd love letter" to it, posing complex questions about work-life balance, loyalty, and what truly makes a life well-lived. It’s a film that promises to make you laugh, maybe shed a tear, and definitely make you think.

Ready for Your Watchlist: How and When to Catch 'Jay Kelly'

Good news! You won't have to wait too long to see George Clooney and Adam Sandler in action. Jay Kelly had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August, followed by screenings at the New York Film Festival (October 9, 2025) and the BFI London Film Festival (October 10, 2025).

For everyone else, mark your calendars:

• In Select Theaters: November 14, 2025
• On Netflix: December 5, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Jay Kelly' When does 'Jay Kelly' officially release? Jay Kelly will be released in select theaters on November 14, 2025, and will be available to stream globally on Netflix starting December 5, 2025. Where can I watch Noah Baumbach's 'Jay Kelly'? You can catch Jay Kelly in select cinemas from November 14, 2025, or stream it on Netflix starting December 5, 2025. Who are the main stars in 'Jay Kelly'? The film features a stacked cast including George Clooney in the lead role, with Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, Emily Mortimer, and Billy Crudup in key supporting roles. What is the plot of 'Jay Kelly'? Jay Kelly follows an aging Hollywood movie star (George Clooney) who, in the midst of an identity crisis, embarks on an impulsive European journey of self-discovery, accompanied by his long-suffering manager (Adam Sandler) and publicist (Laura Dern). The trip forces him to confront his past regrets, redefine his relationships, and come to terms with the true meaning of fame. Sources

• Flickering Myth
• Deadline
• The Hollywood Reporter
• FandomWire
• Batesville Daily Guard
• Pop Insomniacs
• The Independent
• Mashable
• Netflix Tudum