Ella McCay
"A story about the people you love, and how to survive them."
Ella McCay follows an ambitious young politician who wants to make a mark while juggling the realities of home life. On the verge of stepping into the job long held by her mentor, she faces late nights at the state capitol, demanding briefs, and a maze of political obligations that threaten to... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: February 03, 2026
About Ella McCay
Ella McCay follows an ambitious young politician who wants to make a mark while juggling the realities of home life. On the verge of stepping into the job long held by her mentor, she faces late nights at the state capitol, demanding briefs, and a maze of political obligations that threaten to push her apart from family. The story centers on her effort to prove herself while keeping faith with the people who rely on her. It's a sparky blend of warm humor and earnest drama, as Ella weighs loyalty to allies against the pull of personal commitments. The film avoids whiz kid cynicism, offering instead a humane portrait of leadership under pressure.
Directed by James L Brooks, Ella McCay is built from an original screenplay and released in 2025. The production carried a budget around 35 million dollars with Emma Mackey starring as Ella and a high profile supporting cast.
Reception and themes center on the strain between public duty and family life, ambition and responsibility. The film uses humor to soften political pressure while probing leadership accountability and the costs of power, delivering a human centered look at how choices shape a career.
What Viewers Are Saying
Some viewers feel Ella McCay plays more like a TV series than a movie, a sprawling look at the 2008 crisis that tries to juggle politics, marriage and ambition. Emma Mackey nails Ella, delivering sharp lines and a clear drive, with Jack Lowden as Ryan and Jamie Lee Curtis as Helen giving solid support that keeps the drama grounded. Some viewers felt the trailer misrepresented it as a political comedy drama and the film lands as unfocused, leaving audiences unsure what it’s actually about despite a few bright writing moments and a solid through line.
Details
- Release Date
- December 11, 2025
- Runtime
- 1h 55m
- Rating
- PG-13
- User Ratings
- 39 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Comedy, Drama
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- 20th Century Studios +2 more
- Budget
- $35,000,000
- Box Office
- $4,546,837
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Emma Mackey
Ella McCay
Jamie Lee Curtis
Helen McCay
Albert Brooks
Governor Bill
Spike Fearn
Casey McCay
Woody Harrelson
Eddie McCay
Rebecca Hall
Claire McCay
Ayo Edebiri
Susan
Kumail Nanjiani
Trooper Nash
Jack Lowden
Ryan Newell
Julie Kavner
Estelle
Director: James L. Brooks