In ‘Is This Thing On?’ a dumped dad finds a new chapter in stand-up. His wife’s a fan

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We often see therapy used as a source of humor in movies, but rarely do we see comedy portrayed as genuine therapy. Bradley Cooper’s film, “Is This Thing On?” suggests that Alex (Will Arnett), a recently separated father, might have found a surprisingly effective way to deal with his divorce. After 20 years of marriage, Alex and his wife, Tess (Laura Dern), decided to separate, and he’s now using open mic night as a way to cope.

It’s unusual to see someone with a stable job turn away from traditional help and embrace a hidden talent. But Alex, struggling in his marriage, has found a surprising outlet: stand-up comedy. He thinks sharing his problems on stage, and getting laughs, is a kind of therapy. It offers him a chance to reinvent himself, connect with others, take a calculated risk, and ultimately, find happiness.

The premise – a comedian facing constant failure – is incredibly promising, so it’s a little disappointing when the film focuses more on a couple trying to save their marriage. It almost feels misleading. Luckily, the story of their divorce is compelling, and Laura Dern delivers a fantastic performance. The movie thoughtfully explores the complexities of couples who have built a stable life together but have drifted apart. Ultimately, ‘Is This Thing On?’ is a solid dramedy that occasionally feels uneven, as if it’s attempting to tell two separate, good stories at once.

Entertainment & Arts

Bradley Cooper’s confidence as a director is evident after just two films—”A Star Is Born” and “Maestro.” He’s proven himself a skilled storyteller, particularly when portraying the lives of artists and couples within the entertainment industry. His latest film immerses us in the vibrant world of nightclubs and a close-knit group of amateur performers that the main character, Alex, finds comfort in. However, over the course of two hours, it becomes apparent that Cooper has primarily focused on creating a supportive environment for his protagonist (with a charming performance by Amy Sedaris as a seasoned comedian), rather than exploring a truly diverse and challenging social landscape. This approach is reinforced by the film’s visual style—a handheld, intimate technique inspired by European cinema—where the camera, skillfully operated by Matthew Libatique, remains closely focused on Arnett’s face, searching for subtle shifts in emotion and following his every move.

Despite some predictable jokes, Alex’s story captures the lively, uneasy feeling of rediscovering yourself in middle age. The movie isn’t focused on whether he’s a successful comedian, but rather on how his newfound energy impacts his wife, Tess, who is grappling with her own identity after a career as a volleyball star and becoming a mother. We also see how it affects their friends, Christine and Balls (played hilariously by Cooper as a somewhat out-of-it actor). Alex’s parents, played by Christine Ebersole and Ciarán Hinds, add some funny observations about what it means to be in a long-term relationship.

Following a cleverly presented chance encounter, “Is This Thing On?” attempts a more thoughtful exploration of a relationship, similar to “It’s Complicated,” but without the heavy focus on romance. Tess and Alex try to understand where their marriage went wrong, and the actors, particularly Laura Dern, deliver believable performances, skillfully blending renewed connection with a desire for honesty. It’s a shame the promising subplot about stand-up comedy is abandoned, as it feels like a lost chance to add depth. However, the film thankfully avoids treating marriage solely as a joke, and instead offers a genuine look at its complexities.

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2025-12-19 00:31