Bradley Cooper's 'Is This Thing On?' Explores Midlife Reckoning Through Stand...

Bradley Cooper's latest directorial effort, "Is This Thing On?", premiered as the closing film of the 63rd New York Film Festival on October 10, 2025, drawing critical attention for its poignant exploration of midlife crisis and self-discovery. The comedy-drama, reviewed by IndieWire and other outlets, stars Will Arnett as Alex Novak, a finance executive navigating the complexities of divorce, who unexpectedly finds catharsis and a new identity in the world of stand-up comedy. Laura Dern co-stars as Tess Novak, his estranged wife, a former world-class volleyball player also seeking to redefine herself amidst their amicable separation. The film, co-written by Cooper, Arnett, and Mark Chappell, delves into the emotional landscape of a long-term marriage reaching its end, focusing on the individual journeys of Alex and Tess as they grapple with co-parenting, evolving identities, and the potential for love to take new forms. IndieWire's review, published on October 10, 2025, highlighted Cooper's intimate directorial style, which reportedly prioritizes character-focused storytelling over the grand gestures seen in his previous works like "A Star Is Born" and "Maestro." This approach allows for a nuanced portrayal of the couple's struggles and their search for meaning during a significant life transition. "Is This Thing On?" is loosely inspired by the true story of British comedian John Bishop, who similarly stumbled into stand-up comedy during his own divorce. The narrative sees Arnett's character, Alex, move into a New York City apartment after separating from Tess, eventually wandering into an open-mic night in the West Village. His impulsive decision to perform, using his personal pain and insecurities as material, becomes a central mechanism for his emotional processing and a surprising path to self-reinvention. Searchlight Pictures is scheduled to release the film in US theaters on December 19, 2025, with a UK release following on January 30, 2026. * **Inspiration and Genesis:** The film's core concept draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of British comedian John Bishop, who found an unexpected calling in stand-up comedy during a period of marital separation. This biographical detail, woven into the fictional narrative, lends an authentic and relatable foundation to Will Arnett's character, Alex Novak, as he navigates his own midlife reckoning through performance. The screenplay, a collaborative effort between director Bradley Cooper, star Will Arnett, and writer Mark Chappell, builds upon this premise to craft a story that resonates with themes of personal vulnerability and artistic expression. * **Plot and Character Dynamics:** "Is This Thing On?" centers on Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern) Novak, a couple whose marriage of over two decades is amicably dissolving. Alex, a finance executive, moves to a New York City apartment, while Tess, a former world-class volleyball player, remains in their suburban home with their two sons. The film explores their individual coping mechanisms: Alex's spontaneous foray into stand-up comedy as a form of therapy, and Tess's reconnection with herself by becoming a volleyball coach. Their interactions, though guarded, reveal the complex emotional ties that persist even after the decision to separate. * **Bradley Cooper's Directorial Vision:** As his third feature film, following the critically acclaimed "A Star Is Born" and "Maestro," Bradley Cooper adopts a more intimate and character-driven approach for "Is This Thing On?". Reviewers note that Cooper eschews the "virtuosic showiness" of his previous works, instead focusing on the "minute details that bring people together and tear them apart." He employs naturalism and close-up cinematography, particularly during Alex's stand-up routines, to emphasize the emotional rawness and vulnerability of the performances. Cooper also appears in a supporting role as Arnie, Alex's best friend. * **Themes of Midlife and Identity:** The film deeply explores the universal experience of a midlife crisis, reframing it as a "mid-life catharsis" for its protagonist. Alex's journey into stand-up comedy is not merely a career pivot but a profound act of self-discovery, allowing him to process his heartbreak and re-evaluate his identity outside of his marriage. Similarly, Tess's path as a volleyball coach signifies her own quest for purpose and self-definition. The narrative highlights how individuals can find new directions and meaning even amidst the pain of significant life changes. * **Critical Reception and Comparisons:** Initial reviews, including those from IndieWire, InSession Film, and The Daily Beast, have largely praised "Is This Thing On?" for its humor, emotional depth, and strong performances from Arnett and Dern. The film has been described as "hilarious and moving" and a "bittersweet drama." Inevitable comparisons have been drawn to Noah Baumbach's "Marriage Story," particularly given Laura Dern's involvement in both films, though "Is This Thing On?" is noted for its unique comedic milieu and more upbeat tone. * **Ensemble Cast and Performances:** Beyond the central performances by Will Arnett and Laura Dern, who critics commend for their "galvanizing, deeply honest" portrayals and "easy, grownup chemistry," the film features a robust supporting cast. Notable actors include Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, and even Peyton Manning. Bradley Cooper himself takes on a supporting role as Alex's best friend, Arnie. This ensemble contributes to the film's authentic portrayal of New York's comedy scene and the characters' social circles. * **Release and Awards Season Outlook:** "Is This Thing On?" made its world premiere as the closing film of the 63rd New York Film Festival on October 10, 2025. Searchlight Pictures is set to release the film theatrically in the United States on December 19, 2025, positioning it for potential consideration during the upcoming awards season. Given Cooper's track record with "A Star Is Born" and "Maestro," which garnered numerous Oscar and BAFTA nominations, "Is This Thing On?" enters the cinematic landscape with an impressive pedigree, despite its more understated tone.