Jay Kelly, the new Netflix comedy-drama starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, debuts globally on December 5, 2025. Directed by Noah Baumbach, this emotionally rich film about an aging movie star’s identity crisis has sparked awards buzz and critical praise worldwide.
Quick Takeaways
- Jay Kelly streams on Netflix starting December 5, 2025, after limited theatrical release on November 14
- Stars George Clooney as an aging movie icon and Adam Sandler as his loyal manager traveling through Europe
- Directed by Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story, Barbie), co-written with Emily Mortimer
- Currently holds 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64/100 on Metacritic with strong reviews
- Rated R for language, runs 2 hours and 12 minutes (131 minutes)
- Awards season contender for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories
What is Jay Kelly About?
Jay Kelly follows globally famous actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) as he experiences a personal crisis that forces him to halt production on his latest film. After the death of his mentor and a confrontation with an old college friend (Billy Crudup), Jay abruptly decides to travel across Europe to reconnect with his daughter before she leaves for college. Accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler), publicist Liz (Laura Dern), and a shrinking entourage, Jay must face his regrets about fatherhood, relationships, and the legacy he’s leaving behind.
The film blends humor with deep introspection about fame, identity, and the gap between public personas and private truths.
Table: Jay Kelly Movie Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date (Theater) | November 14, 2025 |
| Netflix Release | December 5, 2025 |
| Director | Noah Baumbach |
| Writers | Noah Baumbach, Emily Mortimer |
| Lead Stars | George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup |
| Supporting Cast | Riley Keough, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, Greta Gerwig |
| Runtime | 131 minutes (2 hours 12 minutes) |
| Rating | R (for language) |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 82% (based on 17+ reviews) |
| Metacritic Score | 64/100 |
| Genre | Comedy-Drama |
| Production Companies | Netflix, with David Heyman and Amy Pascal as producers |
Why Critics and Audiences Are Talking
Critics have offered mixed but largely positive reactions. The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin awarded it five stars, calling it a “midlife crisis masterpiece” and praising its emotional climax. AP News gave it 3.5 out of 4 stars, noting George Clooney’s shine in this tale of self-discovery.
“There are certainly aspects of my own journey reflected here, but thankfully, not too many regrets. I have a loving family and children who I believe still care for me.”
— George Clooney at the London Film Festival premiere
Adam Sandler revealed that his character was inspired by advice from Dustin Hoffman, who told him early in his career to seek out three exceptional filmmakers. That depth shows in Ron’s unwavering loyalty to Jay throughout their European journey.
How Jay Kelly Impacts Hollywood’s Awards Season
With George Clooney and Adam Sandler both delivering nuanced performances, Jay Kelly has entered the competitive 2026 Oscars race. Hollywood has a history of rewarding films about the entertainment industry itself, which could benefit Jay Kelly during award nominations. The film positions Clooney against fellow contenders like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Daniel Day-Lewis in what’s shaping up as a crowded Best Actor field.
Critical Analysis: Masterpiece or Missed Opportunity?
While some reviewers hail the film’s emotional authenticity and Clooney’s layered portrayal, others find it pleasant but lacking weight for its 132-minute runtime. Roger Ebert’s site suggests it may win awards despite being potentially forgettable. The film succeeds in exploring universal themes—aging, regret, identity—through the specific lens of celebrity culture.
Noah Baumbach’s direction creates intimate moments, including an unscripted scene where Clooney instinctively grasps Sandler’s hand—a moment so genuine it became the movie poster image.
What’s Next for Jay Kelly?
Following its Netflix debut today (December 5), the film will compete throughout awards season with screenings, Q&As, and campaign pushes from Netflix. International audiences can now stream it in over 190 countries, making it one of Netflix’s major holiday releases alongside Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
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