Emma Mackey's 'Ella McCay' Triumphs in France Amid US Snub
In a surprising twist for Hollywood's latest underperformer, Emma Mackey's starring turn in Ella McCay is igniting passion across the Atlantic. The romantic comedy, directed by legendary filmmaker James L. Brooks after a 15-year hiatus, has been dismissed by American critics but is being celebrated as a "masterpiece" by French audiences and reviewers. This transatlantic divide highlights the unique tastes of global cinema lovers and underscores Mackey's growing versatility as an actress.
The Film's Rocky Road to Release
Ella McCay follows the ambitious journey of a young politician, played by Mackey, who ascends to become her state's governor while grappling with the pressures of family life. Brooks, known for Oscar-winning gems like Terms of Endearment and As Good as It Gets, infuses the story with his signature blend of sharp wit, emotional depth, and philosophical undertones. The ensemble cast is a powerhouse: Rebecca Hall as a supportive mentor, Jamie Lee Curtis bringing gravitas, Woody Harrelson adding charm, and rising stars like Ayo Edebiri and Kumail Nanjiani providing comic relief.
Despite its pedigree, the film bombed at the box office, grossing just $3 million worldwide against a $35 million budget. U.S. critics were brutal, slapping it with a 23% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 39 on Metacritic. Reviews cited it as formulaic and overly sentimental, leading to a quiet VOD release. Even Disney, the distributor, canceled its planned January 7 theatrical debut in France—a decision that's now looking like a major misstep.
French Critics Flip the Script
France, with its deep-rooted appreciation for auteur-driven stories, has embraced Ella McCay wholeheartedly. On AlloCiné, the French equivalent to Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an impressive 4.3 out of 5 average rating—rubbing shoulders with 2025's top-rated films like One Battle After Another (4.7) and The Secret Agent (4.6). Prestigious outlets are heaping praise: Télérama awarded it the highest rating, dubbing it a "masterpiece" and drawing parallels to Frank Capra's heartfelt classics. Libération lauds it as a "wonderful comedy" and a "philosophical tale with melancholic questioning and sublime dialogue," emphasizing its deeply moving core.
Highbrow publication Les Inrockuptibles goes further, calling it "James L. Brooks' new masterpiece" and one of the best American films of 2025. Even the iconic Cahiers du Cinéma—a beacon of cinematic critique—describes it as a "harmonious delight," submitting a glowing 5-star review. This near-unanimous acclaim from French tastemakers suggests that Brooks' introspective style resonates more with Europe's arthouse sensibilities than America's blockbuster-driven market.
Emma Mackey's Star Turn
At the heart of the film's French success is Emma Mackey, the British-French actress who's been steadily climbing Hollywood's ranks. Best known for her breakout role as Maeve Wiley in Netflix's Sex Education, Mackey earned a BAFTA nomination and international acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of a sharp-witted teen navigating love and identity. Her filmography boasts impressive range: from the poignant Sex Education finale to her striking resemblance-fueled role as Emily Brontë in the biopic Emily, and even a memorable cameo in Greta Gerwig's Barbie as a quintessential Barbie doll.
In Ella McCay, Mackey embodies the titular character with a magnetic blend of determination and vulnerability. Critics in France highlight her ability to balance the film's comedic beats with its emotional weight, making Ella's political rise and personal struggles feel authentic and relatable. As one Première reviewer noted, Mackey's performance elevates the script, turning what could be a standard rom-com into a thoughtful exploration of ambition and sacrifice. This role marks a pivotal shift for Mackey, positioning her as a leading lady capable of carrying prestige projects.
Why the Cultural Divide?
The disparity in reception isn't just about taste—it's a commentary on cinematic expectations. American audiences and critics often favor high-stakes action or edge-of-your-seat thrills, whereas French cinema culture prizes dialogue-driven narratives and character studies. Brooks' return to form, with its Capra-esque optimism tempered by melancholy, fits snugly into the latter. The film's themes of work-life balance in a high-pressure world also strike a chord in France, where debates on gender roles and professional equity are ever-present.
Moreover, the cancellation of the French theatrical release might have amplified the buzz. Word-of-mouth from early screenings and international festivals has turned Ella McCay into a sleeper hit on streaming platforms there, proving that quality can transcend initial setbacks.
Implications for Mackey's Career and Beyond
For Emma Mackey, this Franco-American split is a boon. At 29, she's already fielding offers for diverse roles, from period dramas to sci-fi thrillers. Her bilingual background (born in France to British parents) gives her an edge in European markets, potentially opening doors to more cross-continental projects. Industry insiders speculate that the French love could lead to festival invites or even awards nods from bodies like the César Awards.
James L. Brooks, too, benefits from this validation. After years of producing hits like The Simpsons, his directorial comeback needed a win, and France has delivered. As Hollywood grapples with streaming wars and audience fragmentation, stories like Ella McCay's remind us that global perspectives can revive overlooked gems.
In an era where films are judged by algorithms and opening weekends, Mackey's triumph in France is a refreshing reminder of cinema's subjective magic. Whether Ella McCay gains traction elsewhere remains to be seen, but for now, Emma Mackey is proving she's a force to be reckoned with—on both sides of the pond.
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