Ella McCay poster

Ella McCay

"A story about the people you love, and how to survive them."

Movie PG-13 2025 1h 55m 5.7 /10
Directed by James L. Brooks

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

5.7/10
from 39 ratings

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

Emma Mackey

Ella McCay

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis

Helen McCay

Albert Brooks

Albert Brooks

Governor Bill

Spike Fearn

Spike Fearn

Casey McCay

Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson

Eddie McCay

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall

Claire McCay

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri

Susan

Kumail Nanjiani

Kumail Nanjiani

Trooper Nash

Jack Lowden

Jack Lowden

Ryan Newell

Julie Kavner

Julie Kavner

Estelle

Director: James L. Brooks

Frequently Asked Questions

Ella McCay is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes and Amazon Video.

Yes, you can buy on Apple iTunes and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 5.7/10 from 39 viewers, Ella McCay is a mixed bag - check out reviews to see if it's right for you.

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 pu...

Ella McCay stars Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, Spike Fearn, and Woody Harrelson.

Ella McCay was directed by James L. Brooks.

Ella McCay was released on December 11, 2025.

Ella McCay is a Comedy and Drama film.

The information provided doesn't indicate it's based on real events; Ella McCay appears to be a fictional story about a young politician.

Emma Mackey stars as Ella McCay; Jamie Lee Curtis plays Helen McCay; Albert Brooks plays Governor Bill; Spike Fearn plays Casey McCay; Woody Harrelson plays Eddie McCay.

Directed by James L. Brooks, Ella McCay is a comedy-drama about a rising politician juggling family and work.

The film is rated PG-13, suitable for viewers 13 and up.