As a massive fan of Bradley Cooper’s filmmaking career — having absolutely loved both A Star Is Born and Maestro, movies that deservedly conquered both audiences and critics — I confess I was unsettled by the lack of enthusiasm surrounding his latest project, Is This Thing On?. It felt like the general expectation, or lack thereof, was quite moderate, leading many to even overlook its premiere. This environment of contained hype ended up shaping my own anticipation, which, while positive, wasn’t that of someone expecting an end-of-year list contender.
What a tremendous mistake I made. From the very first minutes, I realized I was in the presence of something special. Is This Thing On? instantly became one of my favorites of the year and, without a doubt, one of the most surprising highlights of this festival. It’s proof that sometimes, when we least expect it, true cinematic magic emerges.
What is Is This Thing On? about?
Written by Will Arnett (BoJack Horseman), Mark Chappell, and Cooper himself — who also directs and takes on a supporting acting role — Is This Thing On? is a dramedy that focuses on the painful yet often silent process of midlife divorce.
The story follows Alex (Arnett), a man who, after the amicable end of his twenty-year marriage to Tess (Laura Dern, Marriage Story), seeks new purpose and identity in the New York stand-up scene. Tess, in turn, confronts the sacrifices of her own career and the dilemmas of a redefined life. The film is a sensitive exploration of how two people, despite separating, must reconfigure their family dynamic and their individuality to move forward, using humor, art, and vulnerability as tools for healing.
Is This Thing On? review
The ability of Is This Thing On? to be as hilarious as it’s devastating is, undoubtedly, Cooper’s greatest achievement as a director. It’s this tonal balance that the filmmaker masters most exquisitely. In a movie packed with genuinely comedic moments — and I’m not just referring to the excellent open mics, but the organic humor that emanates from all the characters and situations — it would be easy to break the seriousness and dramatic engagement by trying to inject too much emotion.
However, Cooper executes these transitions in a perfectly fluid, subtle manner, making us genuinely worry about Alex, Tess, and the entire family dynamic that’s falling apart and rebuilding. It never feels forced; the sadness is real, but laughter is the way to endure it.
This success is largely due to the phenomenal work of its main cast. Arnett surprised me at a level I didn’t expect, even acknowledging he’s a competent actor. Here, he not only makes you laugh from head to toe but also delivers a contained, profound dramatic performance in the most vulnerable moments. The same can be said of Dern, who’s equally powerful. The scene both share in the attic is a moment of cinema where laughter and heartbreak meet in perfect equality, being simultaneously amusing and moving.
Curiously, it’s Cooper who takes on the lighter role, functioning almost as the secondary comic relief — despite, ironically, everyone being funny. The filmmaker nails the timing and delivery of every line, demonstrating once again that he’s an exceptional actor, but his contribution to the direction and screenwriting is what shines most intensely and deserves all the praise.
Is This Thing On? is a strong message about art as a healing mechanism, a thematic trend in this festival. The film explores how stand-up comedy, in this case, can be used to process unhappiness, sadness, depression, and loneliness. I deeply value this concept, especially in a contemporary point where humor and comedy are frequently subjected to exaggerated and out-of-context scrutiny. The movie dares to be genuinely funny without worrying about offending anyone, focusing only on authenticity — Alex’s main act is, after all, narrating his life stories and, with that, finding an echo of recognition in the audience.
It’s also an incisive reflection on what it means to be in a long-term relationship or marriage. It deconstructs the notion that happiness must be constant and uninterrupted, reminding us that it’s normal and expected to feel unhappy, disillusioned, or upset in our lives, even with the people we love most.
The great truth Is This Thing On? teaches us is that the most important thing is loyalty and support for our partner, even if that means suffering a little alongside them during tough times. The “midlife crisis” is beautifully recontextualized as a “midlife catharsis,” proving that it’s never too late for an epiphany that can change our lives for the better, a lesson complemented by the efficient exploration of the theme of post-separation co-parenting.
On a technical level, the cinematography (Matthew Libatique, A Star Is Born) might go unnoticed, but it deserves applause. It’s a very well-shot film, notably using a more persistent camera and close-up shots in long, uninterrupted takes, especially when the characters delve into their internal issues. This visual approach confers crucial intimacy to the viewing experience.
The score, composed by James Newberry (The Typewriter), is also noteworthy, with the use of the song “Under Pressure” being particularly intelligent. Its melody and lyrics are used to reflect the state of the central relationship, sounding good when the relationship is improving and more dissonant or broken when the marriage is in crisis, while also functioning as perfect background music for the funnier moments. Is This Thing On? also possesses an impeccable pacing control, making the time fly by.
The movie reaches its emotional peak by interweaving its themes. It’s not just Alex finding his voice on stage; it’s Tess finding her strength outside the role of “wife and mother.” Their parallel journeys, though painful, are proof that separation isn’t the end, but rather a catalyst for personal redefinition. It’s in this mirror that the characters see and grow, understanding that their story together gave them the tools — and the children — to become more complete versions of themselves, even if separated.
Is Is This Thing On? worth watching?
Is This Thing On? is the unexpected festival gem that demonstrates Bradley Cooper’s masterful control over the form and heart of the story. It’s a film that surprises with its authenticity, balancing raw humor with sincere pain thanks to the brilliant performances of Will Arnett and Laura Dern. Visually enriched by the intimate cinematography of Matthew Libatique, the movie teaches us that art can be our most honest cry. It’s a warm, essential reminder that it’s never too late to grab the microphone and start telling our own story, transforming crisis into catharsis.
Is This Thing On? screened at the 2025 BFI London Film Festival, which releases in theaters on December 19.
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