“Jay Kelly” is a 2025 Netflix comedy‑drama about an aging movie star who goes on a trip across Europe and is forced to confront the damage his career- focused life has done to his family and to himself.

Basic premise

The film follows famous actor Jay Kelly (played by George Clooney) and his long‑time manager Ron (played by Adam Sandler) as they travel through Europe for a film‑festival tribute and other work events. Jay secretly uses the trip as an excuse to follow his youngest daughter, who is backpacking before college, hoping to repair their strained relationship.

Main story beats

Along the way, Jay also has to face unresolved guilt over a mentor’s recent death and long‑buried tensions with an old acting‑school friend who feels Jay “stole” his career. His attempts to reconnect with his daughters and his ailing father mostly falter, forcing him to see how often he chose work and ego over the people closest to him.

Themes

The movie uses Jay’s European journey to explore identity, asking how people “perform” versions of themselves as parents, friends, and professionals and whether success can make up for personal failures. It ultimately focuses on regret, the limits of second chances, and the question of whether it is ever too late to change how you show up for your family.