Jay Kelly - A Netflix Movie Review

Are you running to something or from something?

Jay Kelly is a 2025 film about a famous movie actor who is beginning to have doubts about his career. While on the train to his next job, Jay reflects on his life, confronting his past and present.

Have you ever thought about what an actor’s personal life is like? Jay Kelly is a fictional look into the world of cinema. With some slow points, Jay Kelly is a well-directed and reflective story about regrets and careers. You never realize what impact you’ve made.

George Clooney stars as Jay Kelly, a successful actor. He said “yes” to the script without reading it. Having experience in life as an actor, Clooney found a connection to the character. While Clooney has stated that he doesn’t have any life regrets, he reached out to friends more.

Dazzled by stardom, Jay has forgotten himself. During his trip, Jay undergoes a “Christmas Carol” experience, reliving memories from his past. His best moment, as he’s swamped by his doubts, is Jay seeing the legacy he has created.

Adam Sandler is in a career resurrection. Already, he has been given recognition for his emotional performance in the current awards season. Sandler plays Ron, an exhausted talent agent. Clooney and Sandler’s chemistry provides both heart and comedy.

This story isn’t just Jay’s, but Ron’s too. Sandler’s performance proves that he is a talented dramatic actor. Ron’s job has become too stressful, leading to a pivotal emotional moment. I admit I didn’t like Sandler’s obnoxious humor, but he’s in a new era.

A star cast joins Jay Kelly. The amazing Laura Dern plays Jay’s publicist. Dern and Sandler were an acting pair I never thought I’d see. I have mixed opinions on their storyline, feeling that it went on too long and didn’t have enough time. There are several famous faces, including Billy Krudup, Riley Keoung, Grace Edwards, Patrick Wilson, and Greta Gerwig.

Noah Baumbach has directed films like Marriage Story (2019) and The Squid and the Whale (2005). Jay Kelly is distinctive for his style, as his films have focused heavily on families, relationships, and divorce. This film is a break from that genre.

Filmmakers traveled to several destinations for locations. Whenever characters travel, I want to go with them. A majority of the film was shot in England, Italy, and California. However, most of the film is set on a train. It reminded me of Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987).

Baumbach and co-writer Emily Mortimer’s idea for the film began as a movie star traveling on a train to Italy. That thought bubble expanded, especially with what trains symbolized. I like how Buambach did scenes where Kelly wandered into different flashbacks of the past on the train.

Baumbach visualizes this internal conflict through creative transitions between the present and Jay’s memories. It’s a fascinating look into the world of psychology. Memory does play an effective role in life. Staying present is important, but the past matters. As one character says, “Our memory is trying to tell you something about the present.”

Jay Kelly is a transformative film about self-reflection. The film blends the cinematic with the autobiographical in striking ways. Careers, dreams, and ambitions are integral themes. Will you continue with your dreams long into the future? And then there are the other questions: will you be happy?

Jay Kelly is worth watching on Netflix. The ending is the signature part with added touches for a genuine emotional response. Viewers may have various opinions, but take a look at it for the Oscars season.