Ella McCay: Should you watch or skip the latest comedy drama? A viewer's guide

The latest political comedy, Ella McCay, starring Emma Mackey as the titular character, was released recently, but it seems it didn't perform as well at the box office. Considering its substantial $35 million budget, the film has only managed to gross a couple of million dollars. Things aren't going to get better for it, given the momentum.

It is about a woman who unexpectedly becomes the governor of a state we aren't told the name of in the film. Though it's more about politics, it is also about family relationships, some good and some bad, which is like a scenario in every family.

Other than Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Ayo Edebiri, and more act in the film. If you haven't seen the film and are thinking about it, this viewer's guide will help you decide if you should skip this one or buy that ticket. Let's get into it.

Our take on Ella McCay

There's Woody Harrelson in the movie, and he never disappoints, so he is one reason to watch the movie. But you can't simply go for him, as he isn't in the lead but in a supporting role, playing Ella McCay's dad, whom she doesn't really like because of what has transpired in the past.

Now, for the rest of the film, the story isn't that gripping, and most of the time, it's just the lead protagonist being miserable. Though she is a 34-year-old woman, she still isn't a mature one. She uses a government building to have sex with her husband, who is a total loser and just using her for his political advantage.

Jamie Lee Curtis is great to watch in the film, though, so that's reason number two to see the film. She is the aunt of Ella McCay and the only one in her family who is more like a friend to her, always showing her the truth. Especially about her husband, Ryan.

In the end, the writing was weak, and James L. Brooks, the writer and director, has done far better work than this in his past.

You should skip Ella McCay

If you aren't simply convinced by the reviews, some of which we will mention here in a few seconds, know that you'll only be sitting there in the theater to understand what is happening in there. Sure, there are some actors whose performances will keep you in the seats, but they aren't on the screen for much time.

Speaking of audience reviews, you can see for yourself some of them below.

A user named Johnny G writes of Ella McCay,

"Emma Mackey and Julie were great, but their characters were shallow and dialogue was infuriatingly banal. No one in this movie could be happy with the final product. Little wonder why people don't go to movies that don't have loud noises and superheros."

Mark II says of the movie that,