Noah Baumbach’s new Netflix dramedy Jay Kelly is set to premiere in the UK as part of the Cunard Gala at the 69th BFI London Film Festival this year.
Screening at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on October 10, the film stars George Clooney as an aging actor and Adam Sandler as his devoted manager as they embark on a chaotic but profound journey across Europe.
Baumbach (Marriage Story, The Squid and the Whale), in his trademark introspective, dialogue-driven style, makes his characters confront their past choices, relationships, and the legacies they’ll leave behind.
‘Noah returns with his signature blend of emotional honesty and comedy in a film that cleverly explores fame, friendship, and our eternal love affair with the silver screen,’ Festival director Kristy Matheson noted.
The four-time Oscar nominee is on directing duties here while co-writing the screenplay with actress Emily Mortimer (Paddington in Peru, Mary Poppins Returns), who also stars in the film.
Baumbach’s most recent credits include writing the screenplay for Barbie, which was directed by his wife, Greta Gerwig. Jay Kelly also stars Baumbach’s Marriage Story collaborator Laura Dern, Billy Crudup (Almost Famous, The Morning Show), and Riley Keough (Daisy Jones & The Six, The Lodge).
Calling the LFF selection ‘a homecoming even for this New Yorker,’ Baumbach added, ‘We filmed, as well as edited, mixed, and recorded our score, here in London.’ The director and members of the cast are expected to attend the UK premiere.
Baumbach’s previous comedies and dramas, such as White Noise, Marriage Story, and The Meyerowitz Stories, have all entertained LFF audiences in past editions.
While this year’s full programme is yet to be revealed on September 3, Rian Johnson’s new Knives Out mystery Wake Up Dead Man is confirmed as the festival’s opening film for October 8.
Following its UK premiere in October, Jay Kelly will be open in cinemas on November 14, followed by a Netflix release on December 15.
Check out our complete guide to the BFI London Film Festival 2025.