Bradley Cooper returns to the director’s chair with his third feature film, Is This Thing On?, a comedy-drama that explores the dissolution of a marriage through the lens of stand-up comedy. The film premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 10, 2025, and is set for a December 19 theatrical release.

A Story of Midlife Reinvention

The film follows Alex Novak, portrayed by Will Arnett, as he navigates the end of his 20-year marriage to Tess, played by Laura Dern. As their relationship quietly unravels, Alex discovers stand-up comedy as an unexpected outlet for processing his grief and finding new purpose in New York’s comedy scene[1]. Meanwhile, Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their family, forcing both characters to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether their love can take a new form[1].

The story is inspired by British comedian John Bishop’s life, grounding the narrative in themes of midlife reinvention while continuing Cooper’s exploration of performance and relationships[2]. Alex’s amateur attempts at stand-up at the Olive Tree Café’s open-mic nights lean on tired jokes and result in what Arnett himself describes as “some great bombs”[2].

Performances and Direction

Cooper’s decision to cast Will Arnett in the lead role stems from their close friendship and Arnett’s willingness to be vulnerable on screen. Speaking at the NYFF closing night premiere, Cooper emphasized how Arnett was “bearing his soul” in the performance[2]. Laura Dern brings depth to the role of Tess, a former Olympic volleyball player grappling with her own identity beyond marriage and motherhood.

The film represents a departure from Cooper’s previous directorial efforts, which included more visually dazzling elements. Is This Thing On? instead embraces a modest, indie aesthetic with a gentle tone that prioritizes character study over spectacle[1][2].

Critical Reception

Festival critics have offered mixed responses to Cooper’s latest work. Several reviewers praised the film’s gentle tone and the lead performances by Arnett and Dern, calling it watchable yet modest and unassuming[2]. The film has been described as a “finely observed and good-natured piece of work” that examines adult relationships with refreshing maturity[1][3].

However, some critics noted an “inner softness” and “slightly pandering quality” to the film[2]. Arnett’s extensive sitcom background is evident in his performance, with some reviewers suggesting he plays Alex as a “sitcom dad — sharp-tongued yet benign, lost in his daze of self-interest”[2].

Festival Premiere and Release Strategy

Cooper told the Alice Tully Hall crowd at NYFF that “the only place for us to ever show this movie is here,” acknowledging the festival’s significance to the project[2]. The festival programmers saw an unfinished print just months after shooting wrapped and immediately embraced the film as their closing night selection.

The December 19 release date positions Is This Thing On? as a potential awards contender and holiday season counter-programming to blockbuster fare, offering audiences a more intimate theatrical experience.

Sources

[1] https://letterboxd.com/film/is-this-thing-on-2025/

[2] https://ground.news/article/screening-at-nyff-bradley-coopers-is-this-thing-on_208c26

[3] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/is_this_thing_on

Photo by Frank_Rietsch on Pixabay