George Clooney gets 14th Golden Globe nomination for playing ageing star in comedy Jay Kelly

Jay Kelly (NC16)

133 minutes, showing on Netflix

This sharp and sweet comedy-drama is American writer and director Noah Baumbach’s love letter to Hollywood.

The story follows the titular star, an ageing leading man (George Clooney), who embarks on an impromptu journey across Europe in search of who he is. Travelling with Kelly is his long-time friend and manager, Ron (Adam Sandler).

Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices they have made, the relationships with their loved ones and the legacies they will leave behind.

Other cast members include Laura Dern as Kelly’s publicist Liz and Emily Mortimer, who also co-wrote the film, as the actor’s hair and make-up artist Candy.

Clooney is up for the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy award at the upcoming 83rd Golden Globe Awards. This is his 14th Golden Globe nomination. He previously won three Best Actor trophies for O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Syriana (2005) and The Descendants (2011).

Sandler’s performance is also lauded, earning him a Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role Golden Globe nomination.

Dear X (M18)

Showing on HBO Max
★★★★☆

South Korean actress Kim Yoo-jung, last seen in hit romance My Demon (2023 to 2024), finally sheds her “Nation’s Little Sister” nickname, with her convincing and powerful performance as manipulative Baek Ah-jin in Dear X.

Ah-jin is a departure from Kim’s earlier roles and marks her most emotionally charged and ruthless character to date.

Based on a popular webtoon, the 12-episode drama questions if a sociopath is born or made. Since she was a young child, Ah-jin has never felt love from her parents. She was constantly abused and made use of by her alcoholic mother and gambling-addict father. When her dad remarried, she was almost drowned by her stepmother.

Ah-jin grows up learning to use her wits and pretty privilege as a means of survival. Hiding behind her angelic mask, she plots revenge on those who wronged her – the “Xs”.

Standing by her are two devoted men: stepbrother Jun-seo (Kim Young-dae) and former classmate Jae-oh (Kim Do-hoon). Unfortunately, all the men – there are several – orbiting around Ah-jin do not have a happy ending.

Dear X is a testament to how great an actress Kim Yoo-jung is. At times restrained, with only her eyes conveying a tumult of expressions, and at times explosive, Kim gave her all to the point that she collapsed on set after shooting an intense scene. Her Ah-jin is one charismatic protagonist you will love and detest at the same time.

The Price Of Confession (M18)

Showing on Netflix

This murder-mystery is anchored by two versatile K-actresses – Jeon Do-yeon (Kill Boksoon, 2023) and Kim Go-eun (Exhuma, 2024). Jeon plays Yun-su, a woman accused of murdering her husband, while Kim portrays Mo-eun, a mysterious woman called “the witch”.

While in prison, Yun-su gets acquainted with Mo-eun, who offers to take the blame for the murder of Yun-su’s husband in return for a dangerous favour.

Park Hae-soo from Season 1 of Squid Game (2021 to 2025) plays prosecutor Baek Dong-hoon, who does not believe Mo-eun’s confession.

Helmed by Crash Landing On You (2019 to 2020) director Lee Jung-hyo, all 12 episodes are streaming on Netflix. The compelling series sits on the No. 2 spot in Netflix’s Top 10 Shows in Singapore.