Hollywood has a penchant for films that reflect its own world. From Singin’ in the Rain to Babylon, the dramatic highs and lows of creativity in filmmaking are rich with stories. This fall, two new films have emerged, each taking a distinct approach to this theme. The first, Joachim Trier‘s acclaimed film Sentimental Value, delves into the complex relationships within a Norwegian family, where the estranged father is a famous film director, disconnected from his two daughters, one of whom is an actress.

In contrast, Noah Baumbach‘s latest Netflix offering, Jay Kelly, features the titular actor (portrayed by George Clooney in a notably self-referential role) reflecting on his life and the effects of his career on his personal relationships. Both films are contenders for awards this year, with Sentimental Value currently leading the pack. This isn’t surprising given that Trier’s take on the challenges of celebrity feels more substantial.

‘Jay Kelly’s Take on Hollywood Is Blunt and Generic Compared to ‘Sentimental Value’s Unique Characters

Right from the start of Jay Kelly, audiences learn that Clooney’s character is a top-tier star. His influence is palpable even before he appears on screen, as the camera glides over an expansive soundstage to highlight the scale of the production he leads. The real Jay Kelly is only briefly seen before he immerses himself in his role; viewers first encounter him at work, which has defined his entire existence. Baumbach quickly establishes key aspects of Jay’s life: he is a busy, successful actor; his closest bond is with his manager, Ron (Adam Sandler); and he is distanced from his daughters.

This lack of subtlety in Jay’s narrative is underscored by dialogue that repeatedly makes these points clear. There’s little complexity in Jay’s story, as characters like his publicist (Laura Dern) and oldest child (Riley Keough) openly discuss these details. When Jay impulsively flies to Europe in a bid to reconnect with Daisy, he brings along his entire entourage and has an assistant monitoring her whereabouts. Their mere presence highlights his disconnect from reality, and the film reinforces this through its characters.

However, beyond this simplicity, Jay Kelly‘s portrayal of celebrity feels clichéd. The journey of an actor prioritizing fame over personal relationships lacks originality and fails to evolve. While there are emotional moments—particularly towards the end where Clooney convincingly portrays his character’s regrets—the film ultimately feels like a retread compared to Sentimental Value.

Jay’s storyline could apply to numerous characters, while those in Sentimental Value are distinctly tied to their unique situations. Nora (Renate Reinsve), Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) are deeply rooted in their backgrounds and environments, making their experiences irreplicable in another context. The way fame affects their relationships is specific to them rather than a broad archetype echoed through familiar plot devices.

‘Sentimental Value’ Cuts Deep in the Present As ‘Jay Kelly’ Gets Lost in the Past

The drama of Sentimental Value unfolds when Gustav, who has long prioritized his career over family, asks Nora to star in his latest film—a deeply personal project he wishes to shoot at their family home. For Nora, an actress who dedicates herself fully to her performances but grapples with severe stage fright, this request is offensive given Gustav’s lack of regard for her artistic endeavors. She has witnessed firsthand what it means to collaborate with him since Agnes starred in one of his films as a child; one of Sentimental Value‘s most poignant scenes occurs when Agnes tearfully confronts Gustav about that time she cherished so much but ultimately left her heartbroken due to his neglect.

The true power of Sentimental Value‘s narrative lies in its focus on specific familial dynamics, with fame serving as an additional layer. The relationship between Gustav and Nora is strained by his commitment to work, yet they share many similarities—they discuss their projects similarly and find humor in the same jokes while both harbor deep-seated emotional wounds. As they navigate their professional lives, they must confront these issues.

This aspect gives Sentimental Value an advantage over Jay Kelly. Although it includes flashbacks extending back to Gustav’s mother, the film primarily unfolds in the present. The characters grapple with how past events have affected them while moving towards a hopeful future. In contrast, Jay Kelly‘s protagonist revisits memories from his life through key moments. While this nostalgic approach works for character exploration, it renders supporting characters feel less substantial as individuals who shaped him—making it less introspective than it appears.

Both films explore the emotional toll of celebrity on individuals, but Sentimental Value‘s impact is more profound. By addressing present circumstances and longstanding relationships among characters, it feels urgent and distinctive compared to Jay Kelly, which employs a heavier-handed narrative that lacks uniqueness and cannot quite match its lead character’s formidable presence.

Sentimental Value is currently showing in theaters across the U.S.