Is This Thing On?, 2025
Directed by Bradley Cooper.
Starring Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Sean Hayes, Bradley Cooper, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, and Scott Icenogle.
SYNOPSIS:
As their marriage unravels, Alex faces middle age and divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene. Meanwhile, his wife Tess confronts sacrifices made for their family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting and identities.
Bradley Cooper’s first two feature films as a director, A Star Is Born and Maestro, both earned strong reviews and a shower of award nominations. He strips things back with this third feature, Is This Thing On?, inspired by the life of British Comedian John Bishop. It is a surprising direction for Cooper to move in, but he once again showcases his chops as a director with an intimate family comedy-drama.
We follow Alex Novak (Will Arnett), whose marriage to Tess (Laura Dern) has ended. After missing a train home one night, he ends up at an open mic night and gives an impromptu comedic performance, drawing on his recent heartbreak.
Bishop himself was involved in shaping the film’s story, and while it might seem like a highly unlikely source material, there is something global about Bishop’s story. The shift from Liverpool to New York feels effortless, but with plenty of homages to Bishop and his beloved home city for eagle-eyed fans to spot.
Alex and Tess’ relationship really is the glue that holds the film together, and Cooper finds a natural sweet spot between the comedy and drama. Alex’s stand-up routines and those of fellow comics bring natural laughs, and the breakdown of their relationship is emotionally impactful and feels earned.
Both actors are at the top of their game with this one of Arnett’s best leading film roles. He is likeable, funny and earnest, easy for the audience to root for. It also offers a chance for Dern to prove why she has had such a celebrated and award-winning career, one of her best roles in recent years. Tess is a former US Volleyball team member and Olympian, missing the thrill of competition and shifting to coaching.
One drawback is the lack of development for the cast surrounding Alex and Tess, but with so much emphasis on their relationship and the quality of their performances, this issue is largely mitigated and never derails the film’s momentum.
Is This Thing On? is a celebration of risk-taking and proving it’s never too late to find something you love that can have a profound impact on your life. Bradley Cooper draws from John Bishop’s story and moulds it into a meditative reflection on love and loss, simultaneously acting as a great contemporary New York movie.
While the subject matter and style may be a change in gear from Cooper’s first two features, the film further reinforces his growing reputation as a director and one of the finest actor-directors working today. The performances are first-rate rate and there are once again some wonderful flourishes from Cooper as a director.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Chris Connor
