Why everyone is already talking about George Clooney's new movie (and you will too)

With some films, you feel it immediately: this is going to be one of those. And okay, with George Clooney as the leading man, you quickly have an advantage, but even that is no guarantee of magic. Still, the experts clapped for ten minutes straight at the premiere in Venice for a reason. And that was just the beginning. Even before ‘Jay Kelly’ reaches the general public, praise is pouring in, the first awards have already been won, and Oscar whispers are buzzing. All signs are green, you could say: this is a film you absolutely cannot skip on your watchlist.

This is the story of Jay Kelly (and no, we won't give anything away)

The film revolves, not surprisingly, around Jay Kelly (George Clooney), an actor at the absolute peak of his career. He is being praised everywhere, new roles are flying at him, and his success seems to only be growing. But while the world around him cheers, something begins to gnaw at Kelly himself. Has his work not played the leading role all this time, while the rest of his life remained somewhere in the wings? During a rather eventful journey through Europe Kelly is confronted with the choices from his past and the legacy he leaves behind. For his extremely dedicated manager Ron (Adam Sandler), the trip also proves to be a turning point. Has it all been worth it?

The dream team behind Jay Kelly: from Baumbach to Clooney

That George Clooney plays the lead role is anything but coincidence. Director, producer, and screenwriter Noah Baumbach had Clooney in mind from the very first word of the script. According to Baumbach, so many people have a kind of ‘bond’ with the actor, making it much easier for the audience to empathize with the story and immediately feel who Jay Kelly is. And honestly: Baumbach knows exactly how that film world works; he hasn't been a rookie for a long time.

The Oscar-nominated filmmaker was partly responsible in 2023 for the fact that half the world was walking around in Barbie pink for months, so he has more than enough experience. No wonder that big names love to join him. Besides Clooney and Sandler, Laura Dern, Louis Partridge, Patrick Wilson, and Billy Crudup also appeared in the cast. And as the cherry on top, his partner and also Oscar-nominated director Greta Gerwig also showed up for a few scenes; something she rarely does these days, but for her lover, she naturally makes an exception.

Baumbach knows how to choose his team wisely. And believe me: you can see that.

A piece of the Netherlands in Jay Kelly: this actor also plays a role

The cast of ‘Jay Kelly’ features an impressive list of names, but there is also a piece of the Netherlands among them. Ferdi Stofmeel (known from ‘De Beentjes van Sint Hildegard’, ‘De Z van Zus’, and ‘Komt een man bij de dokter’) got the chance to add himself to this list. He plays the ‘Dutch cyclist’; not a big role and perhaps a bit stereotypical, but hey, who says no to a film by Baumbach with Clooney and Sandler? And two weeks of filming in Italy and five weeks in London? No one.

Despite his small role, Stofmeel was present at many shoots, as he told Parool. And it became clear once again: actors are just people too. Clooney and Sandler were both not too proud for a game of basketball between shoots; can we sign up somewhere?

Adam Sandler is already winning awards for his role in Jay Kelly

‘Jay Kelly’ has yet to make its big cinema and Netflix debut, but the first award is already in. Adam Sandler receives the prestigious Chairman’s Award for his role, an honor previously awarded to Tom Hanks and Nicole Kidman. Festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chand calls it the best performance of Sandler's career so far. “It is a performance that underscores his status as one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation.” The award itself will have to wait a bit, as Sandler will receive it in January 2026 during the Palm Springs International Film Festival. And it seems this won't be the last award: there are already rumors that this could very well be his first Oscar. Who knows what else is coming?

When can you see ‘Jay Kelly’? This is the Dutch release date

I was lucky enough to see the film already, and believe me: this is one you really don't want to miss. Fortunately, you won't have to wait long. From November 20, ‘Jay Kelly’ will be showing in a number of Dutch cinemas, and from December 5, you can enjoy George Clooney at home on Netflix. A perfect Sinterklaas gift, right? Make sure to clear that schedule.

Image: Netflix