Bradley Cooper’s latest film, Is This Thing On?, delves into the complexities of long-term marriage unraveling, focusing on Alex and Tess Novak, portrayed by Will Arnett and Laura Dern. Released following its premiere at the New York Film Festival, the movie follows the couple’s emotional journey as they come to terms with the fact that their marriage is over, despite still sharing love and responsibility for their “ruffian” boys. This Bradley Cooper marital comedy highlights how difficult endings can be, even when the decision feels inevitable.
Accidental Separation Spurs Unexpected Discoveries
The story begins when Tess consumes a potent marijuana-infused cookie she grabbed from a party, leading to a temporary physical and emotional separation from Alex. As Tess rides away smiling, Alex finds himself stranded on a train platform and eventually wanders into a comedy club. Facing a $15 cover fee, he is compelled to perform at an open-mic night. This spontaneous decision marks a turning point, revealing how stand-up comedy becomes a rare outlet for Alex to voice feelings he has long suppressed. While some aspects of the comedy scene are depicted with an optimistic gloss, Cooper’s film uses these moments to gently probe loneliness and self-expression.
Navigating New Lives: Comedy and Coaching
As Tess explores coaching opportunities with the U.S. Olympic Volleyball team and even dates personalities like Peyton Manning to test out her prospects, Alex discovers a surprising passion for stand-up comedy. His connection with the comedy world grows quickly, gaining the support of venue manager Amy Sedaris, a familiar collaborator and friend of Cooper. Despite Alex’s amateur and often unpolished performances, his interactions with a generous audience provide a unique emotional therapy that contrasts with traditional comedy expectations. The film portrays this stand-up journey as a slow, sometimes awkward process but one filled with genuine heart.
Exploring Marital Breakdown with an Uncommon Tone
Unlike well-known intense films about marital discord such as Scenes from a Marriage, Revolutionary Road, or Marriage Story, Cooper chooses a subtler and less confrontational approach. His film adopts a mumblecore style, leavening moments of quiet contemplation and silence with awkward yet tender transitions that emphasize the passage of time in a nontraditional way. The narrative frequently cuts to black between scenes, serving as a gentle punctuation to the shifts in Alex and Tess’s relationship and individual lives. This pacing creates a unique rhythm that separates it from darker or more explosive divorce stories.
Balancing Humor and Heart: Stand-Up as Personal Expression
In many ways, Alex’s stand-up sets function as a window into his inner struggles rather than typical comedy routines. His monologues are fragmented and conversational, mixing brief jokes with candid reflections about divorce, loneliness, and new romantic experiences. The film suggests that sharing these vulnerable moments with audiences provides emotional relief. As Alex finds increasing recognition at New York’s Comedy Cellar, both his and Tess’s paths reveal the evolving nature of their connection. Instead of antagonistic confrontations, they explore their divorce with muted tension and restrained hope.
Supporting Cast Adds Depth and Levity
The ensemble cast, including Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Ciaran Hinds, and Peyton Manning, rounds out the film with dynamic performances that punctuate the storyline with humor and realism. Cooper’s own appearance is notably entertaining, providing some of the year’s most memorable comedic moments. The film also includes lively side scenes like Sean Hayes parodying himself and middle school boys earnestly advising their father on goals. These vignettes enrich the narrative and assist in striking a balance between the film’s tender drama and its more uproarious segments.
Imperfect Execution Highlights Emotional Truths
The film’s improvisational style sometimes results in awkward pauses and lack of chemistry between characters, detracting slightly from its authenticity. Longer scenes focusing on Alex occasionally carry a brooding tone, which can challenge viewers’ patience. However, these elements emphasize the loneliness and confusion inherent in a marital breakdown. The collaboration in the screenplay with Mark Chappell and Will Arnett, Cooper’s real-life friend and co-star, adds personal depth. The film flirts with autobiographical undertones hinting at parallels to Arnett’s own experience with ex-wife Amy Poehler, though it remains ambiguous how much of the story draws from their lives.
Cooper’s Direction: A Tender Yet Safe Approach
As an actor-producer-writer-director, Bradley Cooper continues to explore different storytelling styles with his third feature. While the film shares standout moments akin to A Star Is Born and Maestro, it does not break new ground artistically. Its handheld camerawork is minimalistic and occasionally feels uninspired compared to Cooper’s previous efforts. Still, his affection for flawed characters and emotional honesty provides warmth throughout the film, which aims to gently ease viewers through familiar struggles related to love, separation, and identity.
What the Film Says About Divorce and Moving Forward
Is This Thing On? stands apart from traditional divorce dramas by avoiding explosive conflicts, engaging instead with the subtle and often unspoken emotional terrain between separated spouses. Alex and Tess, despite their pain, resist falling into bitterness and instead navigate the uncertainties of life after separation with a mix of humor and poignant reflection. This choice makes the movie a quietly powerful look at loneliness and change, resonating with anyone who has grappled with the end of a significant relationship.
Release and Future Prospects
Following a well-received debut at the New York Film Festival, Is This Thing On? will be available to audiences starting December 19. The film’s unique blend of comedy and drama promises to spark conversation about the evolving nature of marriage and personal growth after separation. Bradley Cooper marital comedy fans and those interested in nuanced depictions of family dynamics may find this film a compelling addition to the genre.
