Read the Screenplay: Jay Kelly by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer Starts Deadline’s Script Spotlight Series
The film centers on renowned actor Jay Kelly, portrayed by George Clooney, as he embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery. Accompanied by his devoted manager Ron, played by Adam Sandler, Kelly grapples with his past and present. The narrative artfully intertwines themes of regret and achievement, highlighting the complexities of life.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and had a limited theatrical release in November before being made available on Netflix. It has garnered significant recognition this season, including a slot on the AFI’s Top 10 Movies of 2025 list, as well as accolades from the National Board of Review. Additionally, it is nominated for an Original Screenplay award at the Critics Choice Awards.
Kelly’s story begins during a personal crisis, wherein he questions the authenticity of his life and career, a dilemma further exacerbated by the death of his former friend and director, Peter Schneider, played by Jim Broadbent. The disappointment of not participating in one of Schneider’s final films haunts him. Compounding his struggle, Kelly’s youngest daughter, Daisy, portrayed by Grace Edwards, prepares for a summer in Europe, leading to concerns about their strained relationship.
The turning point occurs when Kelly encounters Tim, an old classmate played by Billy Crudup, who harbors resentment from an audition in which Kelly secured a crucial role with Schneider. This confrontation compels Kelly to step back from his latest project, causing turmoil within his team. In an impulsive move, he decides to join Daisy in Paris, uninvited, while en route to a lifetime achievement event in Italy.
The film unfolds as both a physical journey through Europe and an introspective exploration, with haunting memory sequences prompting Kelly to revisit significant moments in his life. Through “dreamy film sets,” he reflects on relationships and unfulfilled ambitions.
At its core, Jay Kelly serves as a nuanced character study that raises the question of whether individuals can have a second chance in life—a “better take than the one before” while navigating the complexities of identity.
The narrative delves into the evolution of character through the enhanced lens of a movie star, illuminating the contrast between Kelly’s authentic self and his public persona. Director Noah Baumbach notes that crafting a film about an actor naturally invites exploration of identity and performance, examining the gulf between our true selves and societal presentation.
The film addresses the challenge of making choices and the subsequent reconciliation with the implications of those decisions later in life. Kelly confronts the reality that while he achieved much as Jay Kelly, he also neglected significant roles, especially as a father and friend.
Family dynamics significantly influence the narrative. Kelly navigates strained relationships with both of his daughters—Jessica, played by Riley Keough, who feels disappointed by his absence, and Daisy, who perceives his overprotective nature as suffocating. The film also explores Kelly’s complicated relationship with his father, portrayed by Stacy Keach, a blue-collar figure unperturbed by Hollywood fame.
The screenplay features sharp and insightful dialogue regarding show business, emphasizing the lives of those surrounding Kelly. Ron, depicted with both vulnerability and strength, serves as a stabilizing presence, helping Kelly navigate his challenges. Their relationship embodies the intricate balance of friendship and professional obligation, revealing an inherent power imbalance, further complicated by Ron’s past with Kelly’s publicist, Liz, played by Laura Dern.
The film concludes with a tribute event that showcases Kelly’s career. As clips from his life play, he experiences a poignant moment of reckoning, breaking the fourth wall to inquire, “go again.” This powerful scene reinforces the central question of the film—whether it is indeed possible to relive a moment in life.
Read the screenplay here:
