Official Release Date
December 19, 2025
Rotten Tomatoes
87%
Letterboxd Score
3.5/5
The Setlist
Alex Novak (Will Arnett) is a man at a crossroads. As his 20-year marriage to Tess (Laura Dern) quietly unravels, he attempts to navigate the pain of midlife reinvention by finding his voice on the New York stand-up comedy circuit. A grounded, soulful exploration of co-parenting, identity, and the humor found in life's most uncomfortable transitions.
The Ensemble
- Will Arnett: Alex Novak
- Laura Dern: Tess Novak
- Bradley Cooper: "Balls"
- Andra Day: Christine
The Architects
- Director: Bradley Cooper
- Writers: B. Cooper & Will Arnett
- Studio: Searchlight Pictures
- Story: John Bishop
The Official Trailer
Production Vault
| Running Time | 2h 01m |
| Shooting Location | New York City, New York, USA |
| Estimated Budget | $15 - $20 Million |
| Production Crew | Bradley Cooper (Dir/Prod), Mark Chappell (Writer), Brett Jutkiewicz (DP) |
| Distribution | Searchlight Pictures |
| Rating | R (Language, Sexual References) |
Ray's Review Pending
Is This Thing On? serves as an effective character study of a likable couple navigating a midlife crisis and a particularly rough patch in their relationship. The film balances generally funny observations with poignant moments that ring true, even when painted in broad strokes. At its core, the movie is an entertaining piece of escapism; however, while it strives for realism, it never quite crosses the threshold into true reality enough to achieve greatness. That said, it features a revelatory and effective dramatic turn by Will Arnett, complemented by a characteristically strong and memorable performance from Laura Dern.
The film is at its best when it embraces its comedic roots, specifically the stand-up sequences. Arnett brilliantly captures the cathartic nature of public speaking without demeaning the craft. The narrative wisely avoids making him an "overnight success"; his sets aren't met with rolling laughter, but rather with the supportive, encouraging chuckles of a crowd witnessing someone’s personal therapy session. The film leans into the therapeutic nature of performance, bolstered by an ensemble of supportive comedians who respect his emotional journey rather than viewing him as a threat.
Where the film stumbles is in director Bradley Cooper’s occasional reach for unnecessary artistic flair. A particular "Amazing Grace" musical number feels jarringly out of place, and certain overly sentimental close-ups feel staged rather than sincere. While Cooper deserves kudos for taking big artistic swings, these stylized moments often ring hollow compared to the film’s simpler, more effective scenes. When Cooper keeps the camera still, such as during a raw discussion between Alex and his father after an onstage meltdown, or a heartfelt conversation between the couple about their lack of joy, the movie flirts with greatness.
Some may find the drama slightly saccharine, particularly given the "privileged" nature of the couple’s struggles. Their malaise isn't rooted in financial ruin or infidelity, but rather an emotional stagnation that feels uniquely tethered to an upper-class, two-income lifestyle. Considering they are parents to young children, their existential dread can occasionally come across as selfish. However, this may be too harsh a critique for a film that offers such memorable highlights, most notably Alex’s first foray onto the stage and the hilarious moment Tess discovers his new hobby.
Is This Thing On? is a thought-provoking celebration of how art can be transformative and therapeutic, proving that the true value of creativity lies in the act of expression rather than its professional reception.
Vault Intelligence
- The Amsterdam Origin: The idea was born when Will Arnett met British comedian John Bishop on a canal boat in Amsterdam. Bishop shared how he started stand-up to avoid a bar's cover charge while navigating his own divorce, which became the film's core premise.
- Character Method Acting: To capture the "awkward terror" of a first set, Will Arnett performed six weeks of unannounced stand-up sets at New York’s Comedy Cellar. He went onstage in character as "Alex Novak" and experienced real-world "terrifying silence" and bombs.
- Bradley as DP: In a directorial first, Bradley Cooper personally operated the camera for the majority of the film. He often used a 40mm single lens to create a sensory, intimate "filtered" experience of New York City.
- Iconic Venues: The production utilized legendary Greenwich Village spots like The Olive Tree Café and Mamoun’s Falafel to maintain its "unimpeachable naturalness" and grounded New York atmosphere.
★ ★ ★ 1/2
An effective examination of Midlife Melancholy
Is This Thing On? is a thought-provoking celebration of how art can be transformative and therapeutic, proving that the true value of creativity lies in the act of expression rather than its professional reception.
No comments:
Post a Comment