Critics are praising George Clooney’s new Netflix drama Jay Kelly, but many say the film doesn’t hold its title character accountable for his actions. The movie, which debuted in limited theaters ahead of its December 5 Netflix release, stars Clooney as a celebrated actor navigating a personal reckoning, with Adam Sandler playing his longtime manager. Early reviews highlight strong performances and emotional depth, though most critics note the same recurring issue.
Summary Bullet Points
Jay Kelly currently holds an 80% Certified Fresh score
Critics call the film emotional, engaging, and strongly acted
Many reviewers agree the movie feels overly forgiving of its protagonist
Adam Sandler’s performance is widely praised
Noah Baumbach’s direction receives positive notes but also criticism for “softness”
Key Details
Jay Kelly follows a beloved Hollywood star on a journey of self-reflection, accompanied by his loyal manager Ron, played by Adam Sandler. Directed by Noah Baumbach, the film blends drama and comedy, focusing on themes of time, regret, and personal responsibility. Critics say the movie succeeds in its emotional beats but struggles when confronting the deeper flaws of its central character.
What Critics Said
Mark Kennedy of the Associated Press gives the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, calling it a powerful look at how people choose to spend their time. While acknowledging the film could have been more critical of celebrity self-involvement, he praises Baumbach’s storytelling and emotional resonance.
Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com offers a 3-out-of-4 rating, arguing that the movie often feels “too neat” but benefits overwhelmingly from Adam Sandler’s grounded performance. He suggests Sandler could even be headed toward his first Oscar nomination.
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman describes Jay Kelly as an entertaining, sharply observed industry portrait but says the film gives its protagonist a “soft center,” ultimately making the character’s flaws feel underdeveloped.
Time’s Stephanie Zacharek commends the cast — particularly Sandler and Laura Dern — but notes the film leans more sentimental than introspective, especially regarding the main character’s guilt over missed family moments.
From a harsher perspective, Nick Schager of the Daily Beast dismisses the film as “saccharine” and “toothless,” arguing that the script never digs beneath the surface of Hollywood self-pity.
Impact on Viewers
Despite the criticism, reviewers generally agree that the performances elevate the material. Clooney’s mix of charm and vulnerability, paired with Sandler’s emotionally grounded portrayal, gives the film weight even when the script avoids tougher questions.
Additional Background
The film experienced a brief theatrical run before its streaming release and marks another collaboration between high-profile talent and Netflix for the 2025 slate. Its themes reflect Baumbach’s signature style — dialogue-driven, character-focused storytelling with semi-autobiographical undertones.
Verified Facts Only
All referenced ratings, release dates, and critic comments are based on published reviews from AP, RogerEbert.com, Variety, Time, and the Daily Beast.
Context Section
Noah Baumbach has built a reputation for introspective films that dissect relationships, fame, and creative life. Jay Kelly joins titles like Marriage Story and The Meyerowitz Stories, but critics note that unlike those earlier works, this film hesitates to fully interrogate its lead character’s behavior. The debate over how harshly a film should judge its protagonist is a familiar one in Hollywood dramas, and Jay Kelly appears to land on the gentler end.
