Overview
- Ella McCay, written and directed by James L. Brooks, opens in U.S. theaters on Dec. 12 via 20th Century Studios.
- The film follows a young lieutenant governor unexpectedly elevated to governor, with the story set in 2008 to sidestep contemporary political flashpoints.
- Multiple reviews describe the screenplay as disjointed and digressive, with a narrator device voiced by Julie Kavner that critics say becomes underused or confusing.
- Performances by Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis and Albert Brooks earn consistent praise, with several outlets noting standout moments despite broader story issues.
- Listed at about 115 minutes and rated PG-13, the movie is framed as a throwback mid-budget studio dramedy now uncommon in the current marketplace.