Review of *Ella Mackey*
As the release of James L. Brooks’ latest film, *Ella Mackey*, approached, social media buzzed with reactions that ranged from genuine admiration to playful sarcasm. A trendy activity dubbed the “Ella McKay Challenge” emerged, where fans posed alongside the movie’s poster, mimicking star Emma Mackey’s signature shoe adjustment move.
Yet, the real challenge might have been getting audiences to show up at theaters for this film. *Ella Mackey* centers on a protagonist who unexpectedly finds himself as governor after his predecessor (played by Albert Brooks) resigns. It was probably clear from the start that this film wouldn’t be a holiday box office sensation. Unfortunately, it ended up being the least profitable new wide release in December and made less than other films like *Altonites* and *A Big, Bold, and Beautiful Journey*, which had received favorable reviews.
Now available on Hulu, viewers have the option to attempt the challenge from home—who knows, maybe even with their slippers. Many who stream the film might notice the criticisms of it hold some weight. James L. Brooks, a pivotal figure from the ’70s sitcom era with hits like *The Mary Tyler Moore Show* and *Taxi*, along with Oscar-nominated films like *Terms of Endearment*, doesn’t seem to have found the same magic in the current decade. Sure, *The Simpsons* is still around, and at times it’s still good, but even that feels different now.
Interestingly, Brooks himself seems aware of the changes. The narrator (Julie Kavner) describes *Ella Mackey* as set in late 2008, a time when people were apparently friendlier. It leaves one questioning, “Which people are we talking about?” Without directly naming figures like Barack Obama or George W. Bush, the context of the 2008 financial crisis is apparent through various cues in the film. While such references might feel stale, they hint at a nostalgia that Brooks associates with a more unitary past, perhaps shaped by the disappointment of his 2010 film, *How Do You Know*, which was poorly received.
The 2008 backdrop allows for flashbacks to Ella’s teenage years, evoking Brooks’ earlier works from the ‘90s. However, these sequences seem a bit forced. Emma Mackey portrays a somewhat unconvincing teenager grappling with existential baggage; her character has issues with her girlfriend’s father (Woody Harrelson) and the death of her mother (Rebecca Hall) while also dealing with an eccentric aunt (Jamie Lee Curtis) and a brother (Spike Fern) whose subplot feels tacked on.
It’s fair to say Brooks, despite being 85, has a knack for capturing urban youth, slightly better than Woody Allen, perhaps. *Ella Mackey* has its charm, yet Ella is unexpectedly relatable; there’s somethingarken MacLiesel here, reminiscent of a character from *The Simpsons*, filled with potential shaped by many similar episodes. Ella possesses various traits—fickle but serious, cerebral yet socially detached—and Mackey embodies these nuances subtly, even if the film veers away from the quirky charm one might expect from Brooks.
Brooks’ scripts tend to have characters speaking in loops, often creating a feeling of stagnation in later works—like in *How Do You Know*, where a character faces legal troubles without a clear sense of the stakes. This sense of an unresolved dilemma also pervades *Ella Mackey*, where scandal threatens the protagonist’s budding governorship, reflecting a subtle critique of past societal norms. It raises questions about Brooks’ fixation on nostalgia, particularly when it comes to relationships; the film even includes an oddly suggestive post-coital moment for Ella.
On a positive note, the relationship between Ella and her mentor, “Governor Bill,” carries the essence of classic Brooks humor, alongside a family forgiveness theme that adds depth lacking in many modern comedy-dramas. Undoubtedly, this film belongs to Mackie, whose performance adds complexity to the character. Personally, I took my 10-year-old daughter to see this film, as she was reluctant to watch something else. Surprisingly, we both found ourselves enjoying this talkative, apolitical comedy-drama that featured a relatable heroine amid humorous depictions of anxiety. It’s strange to think we used to watch movies like this together—it almost feels like a blur, given how long ago 2008 was.
How to Watch *Ella Mackey*
If you’re new to Hulu, they offer a 30-day free trial for their basic ad-supported plan, after which the subscription is $10.99 per month. For an ad-free experience, it’s $18.99 a month.
If you’re looking to bundle subscription services to save, consider a Disney+ package that includes Hulu. These bundles start at $12.99 per month with ads on Disney+ and Hulu and go up to $32.99 for ad-free access to all three platforms.
