Ella McCay (2025)
James L. Brooks returns with a sharp, warm-hearted comedy-drama about a rising politician navigating ambition, family, and the messy business of public life.
Ella McCay - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ella McCay
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: James L. Brooks
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 11, 2025 (Australia - M), December 12, 2025 (United States - PG-13), December 12, 2025 (Canada), December 12, 2025 (United Kingdom - 12A), January 22, 2026 (Germany), February 27, 2026 (Spain - 12)
- Alternative Titles: 政坛新星 (CN), Imperfeitamente Perfeita (BR)
- Production Companies: 20th Century Studios, Gracie Films, TSG Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Ella McCay - Plot
An idealistic young politician juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state's longtime incumbent governor.
Ella McCay - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get your first look at the film:
A story about the people you love, and how to survive them.
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Ella McCay - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- James L. Brooks
Main Cast
- Emma Mackey
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Jack Lowden
- Kumail Nanjiani
- Ayo Edebiri
- Spike Fearn
- Julie Kavner
- Rebecca Hall
- Albert Brooks
- Woody Harrelson
Writers
- James L. Brooks
Producers
- James L. Brooks
- Richard Sakai
- Julie Ansell
- Jennifer Brooks
Ella McCay - FAQs
Where can you watch Ella McCay streaming?
Ella McCay is available to stream on Hulu. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options in your area.
Who are the main actors in Ella McCay?
Ella McCay features Emma Mackey in the title role alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Julie Kavner, Rebecca Hall, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson. The ensemble cast brings together a remarkable mix of acclaimed and rising talent.
What is Ella McCay about?
Ella McCay follows an idealistic young politician navigating family dysfunction and a demanding career as she prepares to succeed her mentor, a long-serving state governor. The film blends sharp political comedy with heartfelt drama, exploring ambition, loyalty, and the personal cost of public life.
Is Ella McCay based on a true story?
No, Ella McCay is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay written by James L. Brooks, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Broadcast News and As Good as It Gets. The story and characters are entirely fictional, though they draw on universal themes of family and political life.
Who directed Ella McCay?
Ella McCay was written and directed by James L. Brooks, the Oscar-winning filmmaker celebrated for Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, and As Good as It Gets. Brooks also served as a producer on the film alongside Richard Sakai, Julie Ansell, and Jennifer Brooks.
What is the age rating for Ella McCay?
Ella McCay is rated PG-13 in the United States, meaning some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. In the United Kingdom it carries a 12A certificate, in Australia an M rating, and in Spain a 12 classification. Parental guidance is advised for younger viewers.
When was Ella McCay released in theaters?
Ella McCay opened in the United States on December 12, 2025. It also released the same day in Canada and the United Kingdom. Australian audiences saw it a day earlier on December 11, 2025. Later international releases followed in Germany on January 22, 2026, and Spain on February 27, 2026.
How long is Ella McCay?
Ella McCay has a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes (115 minutes). This is a fairly typical length for a character-driven comedy-drama, giving James L. Brooks ample room to develop the film's ensemble cast and balance its political and personal storylines.
More About Ella McCay
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