Cast and Crew of Ella McCay

Ella McCay

An idealistic young politician juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor.

Critics' Reviews

70
In a flashback, we see Ella as a high school senior, trying very hard to be perfect and to create a perfect family for her mother and much younger brother, Casey. The problem is her feckless father, Eddie, who has been fired for having many relationships with women on his staff. When the family has to move so her father can start over, Ella stays with Aunt Helen. After their mother’s death, Casey goes to a military boarding school. And Ella, perhaps trying to create the family she wishes she had, marries her high school boyfriend, Ryan. She faces the challenges of her complicated family life even as she steps into the demanding role of the New York governor, balancing personal and political crises with sharp, witty dialogue and tender family moments.

Full Cast of Ella McCay

Emma Mackey as Ella McCay

Emma Mackey

Ella McCay
Emma Mackey played a pivotal role in the movie 'Ella McCay,' where her performance was widely acclaimed for its depth and nuance. Critics praised her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety, making her portrayal stand out in a film filled with intense character dynamics. What made her performance unique was her seamless blend of vulnerability and strength, capturing the essence of Ella McCay's character in a compelling and relatable way. A lesser-known fact from behind the scenes is that Emma spent several weeks shadowing a woman with a similar life experience to prepare for the role, which helped her bring authenticity to the character and added layers to her performance.
Ayo Edebiri as Susan

Ayo Edebiri

Susan
In the movie 'Ella McCay', Ayo Edebiri delivers a compelling performance as Susan, bringing depth and nuance to the character's emotional journey. Her portrayal stands out for its authenticity and subtle humor, distinguishing it from her more comedic roles in series like 'Big Mouth', where her voice acting showcases her vibrant and lively energy. Ayo Edebiri’s versatility is evident in how she seamlessly transitions between dramatic and comedic roles, making her performances engaging across genres. A trivia fact: Ayo Edebiri initially gained recognition as a comedian and writer before her breakthrough acting roles, highlighting her multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.
Kumail Nanjiani as Trooper Nash

Kumail Nanjiani

Trooper Nash
Kumail Nanjiani played a pivotal role in the movie 'Ella McCay,' bringing his signature blend of sharp wit and emotional depth to the character. His performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike for its authenticity and nuanced delivery, which set it apart from typical roles in the genre. A unique aspect of his portrayal was his ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments, making his character both relatable and memorable. One lesser-known fact about his involvement is that during filming, Kumail improvised several key lines that were so effective, they were incorporated into the final cut of the movie, showcasing his creative influence on the project.
Albert Brooks as Governor Bill

Albert Brooks

Governor Bill
In 'Ella McCay', Albert Brooks delivers a compelling portrayal of Governor Bill, infusing the character with a blend of political shrewdness and understated humor that enhances the film's dramatic narrative. This role contrasts with Brooks's typically more neurotic or comedic characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor capable of embodying authoritative and nuanced figures. Notably, a trivia fact about Brooks is that, beyond acting, he has an extensive career as a writer and director, contributing to his well-rounded understanding of film performance and storytelling.
Julie Kavner as Estelle

Julie Kavner

Estelle
Julie Kavner played a pivotal role in the movie 'Ella McCay,' where she portrayed the titular character—an ordinary woman facing extraordinary circumstances. This role marked a departure from her more familiar voice acting work, such as her iconic role as Marge Simpson on 'The Simpsons.' Unlike her earlier and better-known voice performances characterized by humor and animated expression, Kavner's portrayal in 'Ella McCay' demanded a grounded, live-action dramatic presence that showcased her versatility as an actress. This performance stood out because it allowed her to step out of the animation booth and demonstrate her depth in character-driven storytelling, highlighting her range beyond voice work and earning critical acclaim for her nuanced and heartfelt depiction.
Sheetal Sheth as Audrey

Sheetal Sheth

Audrey
Sheetal Sheth starred in the movie 'Ella McCay,' delivering a compelling and nuanced performance that garnered praise for its emotional depth and authenticity. Her portrayal stood out due to her ability to embody the character's complexities with subtlety and grace, making Ella McCay deeply relatable and memorable. A lesser-known fact about her involvement is that during filming, Sheth insisted on learning and performing several of her character's scenes in a single continuous take, which added an intense realism to the performance and challenged the cast and crew to elevate their focus and coordination.
Woody Harrelson as Eddie McCay

Woody Harrelson

Eddie McCay
Woody Harrelson delivered a compelling and nuanced performance in the movie 'Ella McCay', which was widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. What made his portrayal unique was his ability to embody the complex inner struggles of his character, bringing a raw and heartfelt dimension that resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike. A lesser-known fact about his involvement is that Harrelson improvised several key scenes during filming, including an intimate conversation that added layers to his character’s relationship dynamics, showcasing not only his acting skills but also his creative input behind the camera.
Jamie Lee Curtis as Helen McCay

Jamie Lee Curtis

Helen McCay
In the movie 'Ella McCay,' Jamie Lee Curtis takes on the role of a complex, emotionally nuanced character, showcasing her range beyond the horror and thriller genres she is most famous for. This role stands out in her career as it highlights her ability to delve into dramatic and layered performances, contrasting with her early fame from films like 'Halloween' and comedic roles in movies such as 'True Lies.' Her portrayal in 'Ella McCay' is marked by a deeper emotional resonance and subtlety, demonstrating her growth as an actress and her willingness to explore diverse characters, which adds a significant depth to her already versatile filmography.
Spike Fearn as Casey McCay

Spike Fearn

Casey McCay
Spike Fearn played a pivotal role in the movie 'Ella McCay,' portraying a complex character that showcased his versatility as an actor. Unlike some of his earlier work, which leaned more towards comedic or supporting roles, his performance in 'Ella McCay' was a compelling dramatic lead that allowed him to explore deeper emotional nuances. This role stood out in his career as it highlighted his range and depth, contributing to his reputation as a serious actor capable of handling challenging material beyond his better-known comedic or action-oriented parts.

Crew of Ella McCay

Full backstage crew list →