Emma Mackey Shines in 'Ella McCay' Despite a Messy Script and Scattershot Storyline

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Emma Mackey's stellar performance is the saving grace of 'Ella McCay,' the latest film from writer-director James L. Brooks. The movie follows Ella, a promising young politician, as she navigates a complex web of scandals, personal relationships, and family drama. Despite Mackey's standout performance, the film's script and storyline are marred by confusion, illogic, and a lack of coherence. Brooks, known for his critically acclaimed films like 'Broadcast News' and 'As Good As It Gets,' seems to have lost his touch with 'Ella McCay.' The film's press notes reveal that Brooks began writing the script without a clear storyline in mind, which may explain the disjointed and uneven narrative. The story takes place over three days in 2008, where Ella, a 34-year-old lieutenant governor, is embroiled in a scandal involving her husband and a reporter trying to extort her. The film's supporting cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, and Woody Harrelson, are underutilized and fail to elevate the material. One of the film's few highlights is the subplot involving Ella's agoraphobic younger brother, Casey, and his former girlfriend, Susan. Edebiri shines in this scene, making it one of the few moments where the film feels engaging. Despite its promising premise, 'Ella McCay' ultimately falls flat due to its messy script and scattershot storyline. The film's PG-13 rating is a misnomer, given its strong language, sexual material, and drug content. Ultimately, 'Ella McCay' is a disappointing effort from Brooks, and even Mackey's impressive performance can't save it from its own shortcomings. With a running time of 115 minutes, audiences may find themselves checking their watches, waiting for the film to deliver on its promises. As it stands, 'Ella McCay' earns a disappointing one star out of four.