Renowned filmmaker James L. Brooks makes his return to directing with the film Ella McCay, set to be released in theaters on December 12, 2023. This marks his first directorial project in 15 years, following an illustrious career highlighted by classics such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Terms of Endearment.
The film stars Emma Mackey in the title role as Ella, a 34-year-old lieutenant governor navigating the complexities of politics and personal relationships in an unnamed state in 2008. As Ella prepares to step into the role of governor following the appointment of Governor Bill, portrayed by Albert Brooks, she faces challenges from her husband, Ryan (Jack Lowden), her agoraphobic brother, Casey (Spike Fearn), and her unfaithful father, Eddie (Woody Harrelson).
Despite the adversity posed by her family, Ella holds onto her optimism, supported by her aunt Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), her assistant Estelle (Julie Kavner), and her police escort, Trooper Nash (Kumail Nanjiani). The narrative unfolds over several days, illustrating Ella’s attempts to balance her political responsibilities with the demands of her family.
While the premise offers potential for an engaging story, Brooks’s direction appears inconsistent. What initially feels like a straightforward exploration of Ella’s challenges soon veers into tangential subplots, particularly involving Casey’s attempts to reconcile with his girlfriend, Susan (Ayo Edebiri). These narrative detours dilute the film’s focus, leaving audiences questioning the depth and significance of the characters.
The political backdrop, while it hints at contemporary themes, lacks clarity and fails to resonate with current political discourse. Although it is suggested that both Ella and Governor Bill align with the Democratic Party, Brooks does not fully articulate Ella’s objectives or the political landscape she navigates. The film’s portrayal of Ella as a politician who bores her colleagues undermines her position as a protagonist the audience is meant to champion.
One of the film’s redeeming qualities is the performance of Mackey, who infuses her character with confidence and charm, making Ella relatable even as the plot meanders. Curtis delivers a more grounded performance than in her recent roles, providing a comforting presence for Ella amid her struggles. The chemistry between Mackey and Curtis stands out as a highlight of the film.
Brooks’s focus on female characters is notable, particularly with Kavner, who, despite being an unnecessary narrator, brings humor to the film. In contrast, the male characters, including Harrelson and Fearn, lack the development needed to make their roles impactful. Lowden’s portrayal of Ryan does not fare much better, primarily due to the limitations of the character.
Despite Brooks’s impressive history in film and television, Ella McCay falls short of his best work. Nevertheless, it serves to elevate Mackey as a leading actress capable of carrying a film, even one that has its flaws. As audiences await its release, the film presents a mix of optimism and missed opportunities in storytelling.
