Running Time: 132 minutes
This feature from Netflix received a limited theatrical release and will be debuting on the streaming service December 5th.
It has been an interesting awards season this year. One of the reasons for me is a unique trend that I have observed. Several titles in the running have, in part, dealt with complex and at times tragic relations between parents and children. Some, like Hamnet and Train Dreams, depict the effects of dealing with a horrific death in the family. Others, including Sentimental Value and the new picture Jay Kelly, tackle estrangement and/or tensions between fathers and their offspring. Thankfully, all of the pictures have other elements and possess their own individual voices, portraying their observations in a compelling manner.
Jay Kelly (George Clooney) is a world-famous Hollywood actor. After finishing work on his latest production, he plans on spending time with his youngest daughter Daisy (Grace Edwards), who is about to leave for college. Kelly learns that she’s planning a trip with friends to Europe without him. The actor then has a run-in with college chum Timothy (Billy Crudup), who blames him for stealing his acting career. The protagonist also attempts to reconnect with eldest daughter Jessica (Riley Keough), who wants nothing to do with him. When the actor’s manager Ron (Adam Sandler) tells Kelly that he has been invited to a career retrospective in Tuscany, the honored actor agrees. But, traveling with his entourage, he slowly discovers that most find themselves questioning their careers serving him. As the ceremony approaches, Kelly struggles to find anyone willing to accompany him on his career celebration.
While the set-up of a famous celebrity questioning his life choices may not necessarily seem like relatable material, it is more familiar than most might imagine. In any family, some members are unexpectedly forced to spend a great deal of time in the role of financial provider. In this case, Kelly is not only financially caring for immediate relations, but many of those around them. While the lead is, to some degree, pleased with his body of work, the film shows the different perspectives of many within Kelly’s inner circle, even including an outsider who resents his success. Kelly and everyone around him have flaws, allowing all to examine and in several cases regret the choices they have made. The impressive screenplay does a wonderful job of never giving easy answers or solutions to these problems
Of course, the cast are all exceptional. Clooney is appealing in the title role, initially attempting to coast, rationalize and use his handlers to help sort out any problem he encounters. He is an isolated figure due to fame and the nature of the business. However, one also senses that this doesn’t only apply to the public, but those close to him as well. It is an interesting revelation for the character.
There are moments of playful bickering with Daisy that strike an accurate tone. Others, including a reunion that turns confrontational, is impressively delivered, starting friendly but becoming increasingly strained and tense as it progresses. And Sandler, in particular, stands out as Kelly’s manager. He’s constantly fighting to preserve the career and success of his client, while also feeling the strain of being separated from his family for extended stretches. The relationship between Kelly and Ron ends up serving as the center of the film and one that really resonates as the two consider splitting after working together for decades.
This is clearly a drama more concerned with performances and personal reflection than action. Those who are willing to take this trip will find themselves considering the toll of fame and celebrity, as well as their own attempts to balance work and family. Jay Kelly doesn’t provide any simple answers to the latter challenges (because there aren’t any), but ultimately leaves all viewers considering their own past and important life relationships.
