Emma Mackey and Jack Lowden’s new drama branded “dreadful” and “a sorry mess” in brutal reviews

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Even though early viewers liked the new film Ella McCay, starring Emma Mackey and Jack Lowden, it’s received very negative reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

Mackey plays the main character, an optimistic 34-year-old lieutenant governor, in a story set in an American state during 2008.

When the governor of their state joins President-elect Obama’s team, Ella’s life gets more complicated. She has to balance a new job with increased responsibilities and the demands of her family, including her husband Ryan, her Aunt Helen, and her often-absent father, Eddie.

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James L. Brooks, the co-creator of The Simpsons, wrote and directed Ella McCay. Currently, the film has a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 27 critic reviews. This score could change as more reviews are published after its release on December 12th.

Critics haven’t been kind to Brooks’ new film, with the New York Post calling it a messy and drawn-out experience, and The Daily Beast labeling it a major disappointment of the holiday season.

Both The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph strongly criticized the film. The Guardian called it a “sorry mess” and a “baffling misfire,” while The Daily Telegraph said it ruined the performances of its talented cast.

I’ve been reading a lot about the movie, and it’s interesting! Some people really loved how it played with time and didn’t worry about things being historically accurate – they found it charming. But others were disappointed because they didn’t feel like we really got to know the characters well enough. It seems like opinions are pretty divided on that front.

According to IndieWire, watching Ella McCay can feel like stepping back in time, especially for fans of classic American movies. If you connect with its unique style, you’ll find it’s a rewarding and charming film.

In a similar vein, The Seattle Times noted that while watching the film with Ella and those around her was enjoyable, it also made viewers wish for a different outcome.

I just read a review on AwardsWatch, and they called the movie “delightful!” They especially loved the main character, Ella McCay, and the film itself, saying it was charming and even a little mysterious. What I found interesting is that the movie deliberately leaves out some details – like what political party Ella belongs to – but it works, adding to the overall appeal.

The film also features Ayo Edebiri from The Bear, along with Rebecca Hall and Kumail Nanjiani. Julie Kavner, best known as the voice of Marge Simpson, plays Ella’s secretary, Estelle, and provides the film’s narration.

Ella McCay releases in cinemas on 12 December.

Enjoy the holidays with the Good Housekeeping Christmas TV Guide! It’s packed with 14 days of listings to help you plan your festive viewing, and it’s available now for just £4.75 at all good magazine shops.

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2025-12-11 03:19