Alright, let’s dive into the pool of honesty that is ‘Jay Kelly’, Netflix’s latest gem directed by Noah Baumbach. This movie is a love letter to George Clooney, sure, but it’s also a brutally honest self-examination that’ll have you questioning your own life choices. So, grab your tissues and let’s get into it.
First things first, Baumbach isn’t trying to hide his admiration for Clooney. He’s rubbing it in our faces, and you know what? I’m here for it. This indulgence is what makes ‘Jay Kelly’ work. Clooney plays Kelly, a Hollywood veteran who’s suddenly questioning his 35-year career and personal life. It’s like Baumbach is gently poking fun at the sadness that lurks in Tinseltown.
Now, I was expecting to be emotionally eviscerated by other films at the London Film Festival, but ‘Jay Kelly’ snuck up on me. It delivered a meditative heartbreak that other films couldn’t match. There’s no over-the-top drama here, just a lot of sitting, thinking, and processing. It’s like Baumbach knew we all needed a moment to breathe and reflect.
‘Jay Kelly’ isn’t just an ode to Clooney; it’s a regretful look at choices made. Kelly, much like Clooney, is a Hollywood icon, but he’s not perfect. He’s made questionable decisions, both professionally and personally. His relationship with his daughters is strained, and he’s estranged from his eldest, Jessica (Riley Keough). His youngest, Daisy (Grace Edwards), is trying to find her own path, and Kelly’s presence isn’t helping.
The film explores Kelly’s life through flashbacks, showing us the man he was and the man he’s become. It’s clear that introspection isn’t something he’s ever done, and now he’s paying the price. His family, friends, and even his publicist (Laura Dern) are all feeling the consequences of his actions.
But here’s the thing: watching Kelly’s life unravel is helpful for us viewers. It forces us to confront our own lives, our own choices. Can we truly have a work-life balance? Will our kids resent us for our career choices? Are we making the right decisions? There are no easy answers, but watching Kelly struggle to understand his accountability packs a powerful emotional punch.
Clooney is, of course, brilliant as Kelly. But he’s not the only standout. Adam Sandler delivers a heartfelt performance as Ron, Kelly’s long-suffering manager. Riley Keough is also exceptional as Jessica, the daughter trying to navigate her relationship with her father. She’s a woman in pain, and her scenes with Clooney are emotionally charged.
So, should you watch ‘Jay Kelly’? Absolutely. It’s not about Clooney, or even Kelly. It’s about all of us, and the choices we make. It’s about reflection, regret, and redemption. It’s about being honest with ourselves, and Baumbach knows just how to connect us to that feeling. So, grab your popcorn, get comfortable, and get ready to do some soul-searching. You won’t regret it.
