Full Breakdown
Bradley Cooper's "Is This Thing On?" Explores Marriage and Comedy
11/19/2025, 5:23:11 PM
Overview of the Film
"Is This Thing On?" is an upcoming dramedy directed by Bradley Cooper, set to release in theaters on December 19, 2025. The film stars Will Arnett as Alex Novak and Laura Dern as Tess, an estranged couple navigating the emotional complexities of their crumbling marriage. As Alex seeks solace in the New York comedy scene, Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their family. The film's narrative delves into themes of co-parenting, identity, and the potential for love to evolve amidst personal crises.
Key Details and Production
The film is produced by Searchlight Pictures and features a cast that includes Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Sean Hayes, and Amy Sedaris. Cooper co-wrote the script with Arnett and Mark Chappell, drawing inspiration from the life of British comedian John Bishop. This marks Cooper's third directorial effort, following his acclaimed films "A Star Is Born" (2018) and "Maestro" (2023).
Cooper expressed his gratitude for premiering the film at the New York Film Festival, stating, “NYC injects an energy into every aspect of filmmaking that just can’t be replicated.” The film will serve as the festival's closing-night feature on October 10 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.
Narrative and Themes
The storyline follows Alex as he grapples with the reality of his impending divorce, humorously remarking, “I think I'm getting a divorce. What tipped me off was that I'm living in an apartment on my own, and my wife and kids don't live there.” Meanwhile, Tess articulates her feelings of abandonment, stating, “You knew I was struggling. And you left me alone,” to which Alex retorts, “I left you alone? You checked out!” This dialogue encapsulates the emotional turmoil both characters face as they attempt to redefine their lives and relationship.
Critics have noted the film's emotional depth, with David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter describing it as “an unassuming comic drama that sneaks up on you, its emotional honesty fueled by gorgeous performances of unimpeachable naturalness from Will Arnett and Laura Dern.”
Official Statements & Responses
Bradley Cooper has emphasized that "Is This Thing On?" is not merely a depiction of a midlife crisis but rather a “midlife catharsis.” He elaborated that the film explores the realization of losing one's direction in life and the impact it has on those around them.
Criticism & Opposition
While the film has garnered positive early reviews, some critics may question the portrayal of divorce and its implications on family dynamics. The balance between humor and emotional weight remains a focal point for discussion among audiences and critics alike.
What's Next
Following its premiere at the New York Film Festival, "Is This Thing On?" will be released in select theaters on December 19, 2025, allowing broader audiences to engage with its themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This movie is not a midlife crisis — it’s a midlife catharsis,” — Bradley Cooper, Director
- “You knew I was struggling. And you left me alone,” — Laura Dern, as Tess
- “I think I'm getting a divorce. What tipped me off was that I'm living in an apartment on my own, and my wife and kids don't live there,” — Will Arnett, as Alex
- “In Cooper’s tenderly observed third feature, Is This Thing On?, performance is a rebound reflex, a therapeutic means of working through the end of a marriage and stumbling onto the self-discovery necessary to process what went wrong — inadvertently realizing that the foundations on which it was built remain intact. It’s an unassuming comic drama that sneaks up on you, its emotional honesty fueled by gorgeous performances of unimpeachable naturalness from Will Arnett and Laura Dern.” — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
