Is Hamnet Profound or Manipulative — and Why Ella McCay Left Us Divided

This week on Movie Joust!, we dive into two very different new releases: Hamnet, the emotionally devastating literary adaptation generating serious awards buzz, and Ella McCay, James L. Brooks’ long-awaited return that left us unexpectedly divided.

We break down what Hamnet gets right — and where it risks tipping into emotional overkill — before debating whether Ella McCay is a thoughtful political comedy-drama or a tonal misfire. From performances to themes to audience expectations, this episode tackles why these films provoke such strong reactions — and who they’re really for.