Shadows on the Wall

Jay Kelly

dir Noah Baumbach
scr Noah Baumbach, Emily Mortimer
prd David Heyman, Amy Pascal, Noah Baumbach
with George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Jim Broadbent, Stacy Keach, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Patrick Wilson, Greta Gerwig, Charlie Rowe, Louis Partridge
release US 14.Nov.25,
UK 5.Dec.25
25/US Netflix 2h12

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Beautifully written, directed and acted, this entertaining and astute exploration of ambition and regret is anchored in a remarkable relationship between characters played by George Clooney and Adam Sandler. Filmmaker Noah Baumbach grounds the film in cinema traditions, mixing family comedy-drama with a road trip that cleverly propels Hollywood nuttiness into rural Europe. Knowingly tackles complexities of celebrity and fame, this is a warm, funny and ultimately moving film.

Major movie star Jay (Clooney) has just finished a big film and wants to spend time with younger daughter Daisy (Edwards) before she heads to university. But she plans a trip to Europe with her friends. So Jay assembles his entourage, led by manager and lifelong pal Ron (Sandler) and long-term publicist Liz (Dern), fires up the jet and chases after her. But even this has a work element, as he's accepting a tribute award in Tuscany. And as they fly to Paris and take a train into Italy, Jay's entourage begins to shrink dramatically.

Opening with a gorgeous single take in a movie studio set, the film maintains a gently loping pace. Baumbach swirls through connections, using integrated flashbacks that open up Jay's thoughts and feelings. Jay knows he has neglected Daisy and older daughter Jess (Keough), but he seems surprised that it hurt them so much. Perhaps this is because his own father (a very lively Keach) wasn't there for him. And there's also his father figure in the film industry (Broadbent), whose death triggers a crisis of confidence.

Jay may appear to be a pastiche of Clooney, but his personal life sets him apart. So Clooney's nuanced performance brims with emotional honesty that catches us by surprise. Even more unexpected is Sandler's grounded role as Ron, who maintains connections with his wife (Gerwig) and kids despite being so devoted to Jay. Their friendship is messy and fascinating, and played with wonderfully open-handed feelings. And the side players around them provide plenty of extra colours.

It's fun to watch such skilled actors and filmmakers play with the nature of cinema and stardom. The comedy is understated, but beautifully timed to make key points, such as the sight gags every time Jay says feels lonely. Watching his team peel off one by one, leading to events that are laced with razor-sharp irony, we begin to sympathise with a fabulously privileged, famous and wealthy man who has everything imaginable. We never feel sorry for him, but we understand why the choices we make in life matter.

themes, language 9.Oct.25

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