
The film Is This Thing On? starts at the end of a marriage. Will Arnett plays Alex, who is separating from his wife, Tess (played by Laura Dern), after more than 20 years together. They have two 10-year-old sons—not identical twins, but fraternal—which complicates the situation. While the split seems unavoidable, Tess tries to remain polite, though she occasionally shoots Alex disapproving looks when they’re with friends. Alex, on the other hand, appears completely drained and resigned, as if he’s unable to process what’s happening and lacks the motivation to change it. It’s easy to understand why Tess, a former star volleyball player, might want to move on from a husband who seems so lifeless and passive.