George Clooney & Adam Sandler Shine in Noah Baumbach's 'Jay Kelly'

Get ready to see two Hollywood heavyweights, George Clooney and Adam Sandler, team up in Noah Baumbach's latest film, 'Jay Kelly,' which is hitting select theaters soon and landing on Netflix just in time for the holidays.

TL;DR: Here's What You Need to Know About 'Jay Kelly'

• Star Power Duo: George Clooney plays aging movie star Jay Kelly, with Adam Sandler as his loyal manager Ron, delivering a standout performance.
• Emotional Journey: The film follows Kelly's midlife crisis and European trip of self-discovery, exploring themes of family, fame, and regret.
• Streaming Soon: Catch 'Jay Kelly' in select theaters starting November 14, 2025, before its global Netflix release on December 5, 2025.

Unpacking the Heart of 'Jay Kelly': A Star's Quest for Meaning

Imagine being at the top of Hollywood for decades, and then suddenly, you're faced with the question: what was it all for? That's the core of Noah Baumbach's new drama, 'Jay Kelly,' where George Clooney takes on the titular role of a movie star grappling with his life's meaning after 35 years in the spotlight. When his mentor and friend, Peter Schneider (Jim Broadbent), passes away, Jay embarks on a journey of self-reflection, trying to find a deeper understanding of his choices.

His memories are tied to his films, but his personal life? Not so much. He has two daughters, Jessica (Riley Keough) and Daisy (Grace Edwards), whom he hasn't been there for, and a life lived mostly on film sets. This existential crisis leads him to a chance encounter with an old acting friend, Timothy (Billy Crudup), who believes Jay stole his shot at stardom. Their tense reunion sends Jay into a full-blown midlife crisis, spurring him to travel to Europe to reconnect with his youngest daughter, Daisy, all while preparing to receive a lifetime achievement award in Italy.

The Dynamic Duo: George Clooney and Adam Sandler's On-Screen Magic

You know you're in for a treat when George Clooney and Adam Sandler share the screen, and 'Jay Kelly' doesn't disappoint on that front. Clooney, naturally, embodies the essence of a classic movie star. He's charming, likable, and effortlessly carries the film, making Jay Kelly a character you can sympathize with despite his self-centered tendencies and past mistakes as a father and friend.

But many critics are pointing to Adam Sandler as the true scene-stealer. Playing Ron Sukenick, Jay's long-time manager, Sandler delivers a "fantastic performance" that hits hard. Ron is fiercely loyal, treating his clients like family, even though he might just be hired help to them. Sandler perfectly captures Ron's frustrations with Jay, yet also shows immense care through his actions. It's a role written specifically for him by Baumbach and co-writer Emily Mortimer, and it really lets Sandler shine, showcasing his dramatic chops we've seen in films like 'Uncut Gems'.

George Clooney on Adam Sandler:

"This was a different kind of role for Adam, and I wanted to make sure that he wasn't making fun of his incredible talent. He likes to just deflect and I was like, 'You know what, dude, you're really good in this film and you're a really good actor and let's not just make jokes.'"

– George Clooney at the AFI Fest premiere

Speaking of Sandler's talent, Clooney even had a special rule on set: no one was allowed to call Adam "Sandman." Clooney explained that he wanted Sandler to take his role seriously and for others to recognize his "incredible talent," rather than falling back on his comedic persona. Sandler, ever the good sport, joked that he still calls himself "Sandman" but appreciated Clooney's protective gesture.

Baumbach's Homage to Cinema History and Personal Reflection

Director Noah Baumbach, known for his character-driven dramas like 'Marriage Story,' brings a thoughtful touch to 'Jay Kelly.' The film often feels like a loving nod to classic "Movies-about-movies." You might spot echoes of Robert Altman's 'The Player' with its overlapping dialogue, Preston Sturges' 'Sullivan's Travels' in Jay's attempt to reconnect with his audience, and Federico Fellini's '8½' as Jay reflects on his past in Italy.

The screenplay, penned by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer (who also make cameos!), dives into universal themes. Sandler noted that the film isn't just a Hollywood story, but one for "everybody who works and tries to do the best they can at work and the sacrifice that takes on your family and on yourself." It makes you think about the balance between career ambition and personal life – a struggle many can relate to.

While some critics felt the film tries to do "too much" and can feel "cluttered with ideas," its strongest theme explores how different people can have vastly different perspectives on a single moment in time. For instance, Jay's big break that propelled him to stardom was, for his friend Timothy, a crushing blow that stole his own potential future. This exploration of shared memories and differing viewpoints really resonates.

A Stellar Ensemble: Beyond Clooney and Sandler

While Clooney and Sandler lead the charge, 'Jay Kelly' boasts a strong supporting cast that enhances the emotional depth of the story:

• Laura Dern as Liz: Jay's publicist, who increasingly resents being pulled away from her own family for Jay's whims. Dern shines as she sees through Jay's charming facade.
• Riley Keough as Jessica: Jay's oldest daughter, who holds significant resentment over his career-focused life.
• Grace Edwards as Daisy: Jay's youngest daughter, whom he attempts to reconnect with on his European trip.
• Stacy Keach as Jay's estranged father: A memorable performance that adds another layer to Jay's personal journey.
• Kyle Soller as young Jay Kelly: Portraying Jay's youth in reenactments, a refreshing choice over AI de-aging, as noted by one reviewer.
• Greta Gerwig: Plays Adam Sandler's character Ron's wife, a role Baumbach reportedly had in mind for her early on.

What Critics Are Saying: A Charming but Imperfect Reflection

'Jay Kelly' has been described as "charming," "scattered," and "shallow" by critics. The general consensus is that while the performances, especially from Clooney and Sandler, are outstanding and elevate the film, the narrative sometimes struggles to find its footing. Some found the tone inconsistent, with "jarring" comedic moments interfering with the drama, and felt it was "a bit too long" at 132 minutes.

However, the film's examination of an aging star's regrets and the concept of differing perspectives on shared experiences are highlighted as its strongest points. It might not reach "greatness" in the way some of the classic films it references do, but it has "good intentions" and "tells a story that resonates beyond the privileged world it depicts." If you're looking for strong performances and a reflective look at the human cost of a life dedicated to career, 'Jay Kelly' offers plenty to chew on.

When and Where Can You Watch 'Jay Kelly'?

Mark your calendars! Here’s how you can catch Noah Baumbach’s 'Jay Kelly':

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

The film had its premiere at the American Film Institute (AFI) Fest in Los Angeles on October 23, 2025, and also screened at the Middleburg Film Festival, generating buzz for its stellar cast and poignant themes.

'Jay Kelly' FAQs: Your Quick Questions Answered

Q: What is 'Jay Kelly' about? A: 'Jay Kelly' is about an aging Hollywood movie star (George Clooney) who, after 35 years in the industry, begins to question his life's choices and relationships, especially with his estranged daughters, leading him on a journey of self-discovery.

Q: Who is in the main cast of 'Jay Kelly'? A: The film stars George Clooney as Jay Kelly and Adam Sandler as his manager Ron. Other notable cast members include Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Jim Broadbent, Billy Crudup, Laura Dern, and Stacy Keach.

Q: When does 'Jay Kelly' come out on Netflix? A: 'Jay Kelly' will be available to stream globally on Netflix starting December 5, 2025.

Q: What is the runtime and rating for 'Jay Kelly'? A: The film has a runtime of approximately 132 minutes and is rated R.

Sources

• Collider
• The Hollywood Reporter
• A.V. Club
• JoBlo
• AFP
• Empire - Movies
• Daily Corinthian