‘Ella McCay’ Might Just Be the Feel-Good Film We All Need Right Now

My favorite tradition every holiday season is the day after Christmas, when my entire family—donned in new sweaters, shoes, or whatever other sartorial surprises we unwrapped the night before—heads to the movie theater. I look forward to the cozy familiarity of the theater, the debrief on the car ride home, and the intentional time spent with loved ones every year.

But this year, I won’t be waiting until December 26. Ella McCay hits theaters on December 12, and it’s precisely the kind of feel-good film that belongs in the heart of the season—not just after it. Whether you’re breaking up a marathon shopping day with your mom and sister, sneaking in a quiet solo afternoon, or just looking for something the whole family will genuinely enjoy, this one’s worth making time for.

At 34, the ambitious Ella McCay is about to become the governor of the state where she was born and raised, but her new role forces her to confront her relationships with her husband, father, and brother, and dealing with her family may be harder than running a state. Ella McCay is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. It’s the kind of film that will have you laughing and tearing up in the same breath. From the incredible ensemble cast led by Emma Mackey to James L. Brooks’ signature wit and charm, it’s also a movie the entire family will enjoy. Here’s why everyone should run to their nearest theater to see Ella McCay.

Why Ella McCay is the perfect holiday movie to see in theaters

If you’re someone who prefers to wait a few months and watch movies when they hit streaming services from the comfort of your couch, let this be your call to action: Ella McCay demands to be seen in theaters. It’s a movie-going event that—no matter how chaotic and stressful your life may be—will have you exiting the AMC with a renewed sense of hope. It’s not purely escapist, and though it may be a fictional story, the double standards for women and the politicians who have forgotten the people they’re supposed to represent are all too real. But those issues make the film feel that much more current. It’s smart, situational humor allows you to laugh at the same issues that might make you cry in your own life.

Ella McCay shows the messy, emotional moments we encounter in real life, but we get to see hope win. With a news cycle that seems to get more chaotic every day, you can’t put a price on a theater experience that genuinely uplifts you. Well, you can, and it will probably be around $15 to $20 for the ticket, depending on where you live. It strikes the perfect tone: emotional and real without crossing over into full-on cheesy territory.

Emma Mackey is unforgettable as a modern heroine

You would never know while watching it, but this movie is actually Emma Mackey’s first major feature lead role, and she definitely delivers. As a fellow perfectionist who would rather try to take on everything by myself until I inevitably have what the kids these days are calling a ‘crash-out’, Emma Mackey’s portrayal of Ella was so relatable. She brings a vulnerability and emotional complexity to the role that perfectly balances out the comedic moments in the film. She’s such a well-rounded, real character that you can’t help but root for. Despite her circumstances being wholly unrelatable, she still feels like an authentic representation of what it means to be a woman in the workforce today—double standards and all.

A story rooted in real, messy, relatable family dynamics

Whether your family dynamic would have the Brady Bunch jealous of how tight-knit you are or the holidays are more stressful than they are jolly, Ella McCay will hit home. The relationships it depicts across multiple generations show the real, messy way we love those closest to us. The film will make you want to hold your closest family members tight, and it may even inspire you to pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t talked to in a while—or finally close the door on a relationship that’s been running you dry.

It highlights how love, conflict, and loyalty all coexist under one roof, speaking to the importance of family, both the ones we’re born with and the ones we choose. Every scene shows how all the dysfunction and love work together to create a flawed, yes, but ultimately real family on screen. The emotional moments hit because they feel lived-in, not manufactured. So no matter what your home life looks like right now, Ella McCay will make you feel seen, and may even be the conversation starter your family needs over the holidays to take a step forward.

The ensemble cast and James L. Brooks elevate everything

Maybe it’s the Love Actually effect, but there’s something about an ensemble cast that feels so perfect for a movie releasing during the holidays. And the excitement you feel when seeing Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Ayo Edebiri, Kumail Nanjiani, and Julie Kavner’s names next to each other in the trailer is only exceeded when you’re watching them on screen together. They’re charming, dimensional, and perfectly cast, especially with James L. Brooks behind the project. Ella McCay is unmistakably a James L. Brooks production, with that signature blend of humor and empathy we’ve come to expect. It fits impeccably alongside Terms of Endearment, As Good as It Gets, Broadcast News, Jerry Maguire, Spanglish, and The Simpsons.

The bottom line

Ella McCay is the mood-boosting film you’re desperate for right now, whether you know it or not. It’s feel-good family fun in its purest form. Everyone—from your cool cousin to your grandma who watches nothing but reruns—will be completely charmed by its warmth, genuinely funny moments, and beautifully human family storyline. It’s a film made for the big screen that should definitely be watched with a group. You’ll laugh, maybe (honestly, most likely…) cry, and definitely leave the theater feeling deeply.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor

As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.

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This post is sponsored by 20th Century Studios, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

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