Is This Thing On? Is the Kind of Movie Hollywood Has Forgotten How to Make

by

Bradley Cooper often faces criticism: people accuse him of being overly ambitious and chasing awards. His films are sometimes seen as stuffy or lacking excitement, and his dedication to roles – like wearing a prosthetic nose for Maestro – draws attention. But Cooper arguably occupies a unique space in modern filmmaking. He’s committed to making movies for adults, tackling meaningful themes that once reliably attracted audiences to theaters. Whether he’s revisiting a familiar story like A Star Is Born, portraying a complex figure like Leonard Bernstein, or telling a quiet story about love and loss – as in Is This Thing On? – he consistently pursues projects that most filmmakers avoid. In a cinematic landscape dominated by escapism, Cooper is one of the few directors still making films that demand a little more from viewers.

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.

Following a difficult night, Alex drove Tess home to their large house in the suburbs of New York City, then walked toward his own apartment in the city. He noticed a small bar that looked welcoming, and decided to stop for a drink. However, the bouncer told him there was a $15 cover charge unless he was performing in the open-mic comedy night. Not wanting to pay, and claiming he didn’t have the money, Alex spontaneously signed up to perform instead.

He doesn’t really have a routine, just a list of recent, difficult events he repeats. He awkwardly shares that he’s likely getting divorced, explaining he’s now living alone, separated from his wife and children. It’s a strange way to talk about it, but his hesitant delivery makes it strangely compelling. He’s not a comedian – he works in finance – but the audience laughs, likely both out of sympathy and because his experience is relatable. What Alex describes could happen to anyone navigating a breakup or the end of a relationship.

Alex repeatedly returns to perform at the club, finding it a way to release his emotions. He also discovers a welcoming community there – a diverse group of performers including Amy Sedaris, Chloe Radcliffe, and Jordan Jensen – who transform frustrating or heartbreaking experiences into shared stories and moments of laughter.

Alex isn’t just more self-assured; he feels invigorated and connected to something meaningful, beyond even his strong family ties. Tess has also changed from who she once was—which is natural, as people always evolve. Is This Thing On? tells the story of how Alex and Tess rediscover each other, embracing the people they’ve become over time.

Honestly, the plot of Is This Thing On? might not sound like a blockbuster, and it’s true, it’s not about huge, dramatic events. It’s more about the quiet stuff going on underneath the surface. But when you think about it, isn’t that what being middle-aged is often about? Coming to terms with who you were and who you are now? The director really gets at those themes we used to see a lot in movies from the 90s and early 2000s – tough breakups, the pain of realizing your partner doesn’t feel the same way, and that feeling of losing a little bit of yourself, like misplacing your glasses. It’s relatable, you know?

Movies about everyday life aren’t always thrilling, but they can feel surprisingly important. Is This Thing On? manages to be charming despite its simple premise. The script, by Cooper, Arnett, and Mark Chappell, draws inspiration from the life of English comedian John Bishop. Cooper also appears in the film as Alex’s friend, Balls – a somewhat self-centered, struggling actor. We also see Balls’ marriage to Christine (played by Andra Day), and their constant bickering feels very real. In fact, their irritation with each other is how they connect, which is often how relationships work.

Cooper delivers a fantastic performance in this film. While Balls’ character seems primarily focused on his career – he’s noticeably thrilled about a new theater role as a disciple of Jesus – he’s also comfortably navigating a complicated life. Alex, in contrast, is a perfectionist, and unknowingly fails Tess in the process. Arnett and Dern offer subtle, nuanced performances, beautifully portraying the disconnect that can grow between two people who think they’re connected. The film explores Cooper’s central question: how can such individuals rediscover their connection? It’s a story perfectly suited for a shared movie experience, perhaps reviving the classic tradition of a movie date. That’s a genuinely worthwhile goal for any film to have.

Read More

2025-12-19 15:06