Ella McCay (2025) Film Buff Review: James L. Brooks' Return to Directing After 15 Years

Analyzed here with fresh eyes in 2026: Is Ella McCay—the 2025 political comedy-drama written and directed by legendary filmmaker James L. Brooks—still relevant for today's audiences?

As a dedicated film buff, I break down this question while reminding everyone exactly who James L. Brooks is (and was). The Oscar-winning writer-director behind timeless classics like Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, and As Good as It Gets—plus iconic TV hits including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, and The Simpsons—has shaped American culture with his signature blend of sharp wit, heartfelt family dynamics, and relatable characters for over five decades. His influence on both cinema and television is undeniable, even if his big-screen output has been quiet in recent years.

That said, here's my honest review of his long-awaited 2025 comeback, Ella McCay, starring the fantastic and highly watchable Emma Mackey. (And yes, I double-checked—she's not 100% Margot Robbie, though fans of Barbie will spot that same charismatic energy and screen presence in her performance as the idealistic young politician juggling family chaos and high-stakes work life.)

This warm yet uneven ensemble piece also features a stacked supporting cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, and more. Set against a political backdrop, it explores the messy realities of "having it all" in a way that feels both nostalgic and timely.

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