On the ground in Venice, Shane McKevitt sets the scene in his review of Jay Kelly. He returns this year with Jay Kelly, which follows George Clooney as the titular character, an ageing A-lister in the twilight of his career. Soon, Jay wishes he could do the same for his real life, where the wounds are all too real. It’s that type of synergy I wished for with Jay Kelly; the puzzle pieces just don’t fit. Jay Kelly premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 28th August 2025.