Ella McCay Movie Review: Sincere & Comforting

Ella McCay isn’t without its narrative issues, but an outstanding Emma Mackey in the titular role helps turn the film into a really sweet, hilarious time.

That certainly sounds like something that could be a winner on paper and while there’s plenty that works, Brooks also provides some truly head scratching moments. There’s this real sincerity throughout the film thanks in large part to its cast, particularly Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis, and the end result, even if it’s a bumpy ride, feels like a warm hug.

Ella (Emma Mackey, of Barbie) is written very realistically, which, as it turns out, isn’t something that comes easy to Brooks this time around. Her optimistic attitude reflects the positivity which most Americans felt after Barack Obama was elected President of the United States in 2008. There was this sense that perhaps our elected officials would actually do something to help their people as everyone dealt with the impact of The Great Recession. Plenty of viewers will see themselves in Ella as she tries her best to make the world a better place while dealing with life throwing everything at her all at once.

From her marriage being on shaky ground, to the sudden return of her father, Eddie (Woody Harrelson, of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t), Ella has more than enough on her plate. Then you get to the fact she’s about to be named Governor in place of her mentor Governor Bill (Albert Brooks, of Taxi Driver) and it could be enough to break anyone’s spirit. Not Ella’s though, as she finds ways to keep going, for better or worse. 

That’s part of what makes her interesting to follow, because you’re curious if Ella will continue being a good person and politician in the face of all these obstacles as well as so many people telling her what she can and can’t do. Emma Mackey gives an amazing performance that captures so many sides of this character. There’s an endless amount of  passion in her voice to go along with a warm smile and eyes that just light up the screen. One moment in particular sticks out because we watch Mackey go from stern to a mix of overly happy and sad due to something which is quite funny. Her ability to switch on a dime like that adds such humanity and depth to Ella.

Alongside Mackey, you have a wonderful turn from Jamie Lee Curtis as Ella’s aunt Helen, who has been there for our protagonist since the death of her sister and Ella’s mother (Rebecca Hall). Curtis and Mackey make for an entertaining duo thanks to their ability to naturally bounce off each other in a way that seems like improv. Helen reminded me so much of my Mom and Granma, who will do anything for me and have real no nonsense attitudes. I give Curtis a ton of credit for tapping to her protective, vulnerable, and silly sides and getting me to a point where I no longer saw Jamie Lee Curtis the actress, but Helen McCay.

In terms of the narrative, audiences should find quite a bit to latch onto despite its straightforward story. There are obviously Ella and Helen but outside of them, you have characters such as Trooper Nash (Kumail Nanjiani) and Estelle (Julie Kavner) who feel like real, kind people you can form connections with even if you just ran into them randomly on the street. They may not have individual arcs to speak of, but Brooks has them play pivotal roles in Ella’s journey and this story would lose some of its charm without Nanjiani and Kavner’s characters around. 

Even though Ella McCay is pretty simple, Brooks has crafted a film that will enthrall you due to the relatability of its protagonist, nice performances – especially from Emma Mackey – and a universal message of hope. Having a script which is quite funny also helps. I was concerned prior to seeing the film that most of its laugh out loud moments would be shown in the trailer, but those feelings turned out to be unwarranted. Not only did what I knew was coming still work, but there were some surprising moments which made me belly laugh. 

For all the praise it deserves, Ella McCay has some major drawbacks that go beyond a lack of arcs for a handful of the side characters. From the minute he appears, Jack Lowden, who I should clarify is a fine actor, will annoy you as Ella’s husband, Ryan. He doesn’t have a single character trait besides being a bit quirky, which isn’t Lowden’s fault. James L. Brooks could’ve given him so much more to work with. That being said, Lowden doesn’t do himself any favors when he takes on the demeanor of a spoiled brat as things move along. It got to a point where I rolled my eyes and then some when he appeared. 

Then there is the complete and utter waste of Ayo Edebiri as Susan, the ex-girlfriend of Ella’s brother Casey (Spike Fearn). When she’s first mentioned, audiences are given the impression that Edebiri’s character will play a central role in getting Casey back on his feet from that point forward. She does, but we learn very little about her, to the point where Susan might as well have a prize sticker placed on her shirt. She’s not a character, but a reward for Casey, and it really does a disservice to Edebiri. Fortunately for her, I don’t think she’ll be losing sleep over this. The odds are pretty high that she was only on set for a day, maybe even just a few hours, and just as quickly went back to searching for what’s next. 

Ella McCay should be able to find an audience, though I’m not sure how big it’ll be. There’s a lot to like about James L. Brooks’ latest even with its drawbacks. If you’re a fan of any of the cast members, or just looking for something hopeful to watch, you should check it out. 

Ella McCay will be released in U.S. theaters and in U.K. & Irish cinemas on December 12, 2025.