Is This Thing On?

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2:13

Is This Thing On?

R

In Theaters Dec 19

2h 4m

Comedy

Drama

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95%

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39 Reviews

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As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family--forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

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In Theaters Dec 19

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Bradley Cooper

Director

Will Arnett

Alex Novak

Laura Dern

Tess Novak

Andra Day

Actor

Bradley Cooper

Actor

Amy Sedaris

Actor

Billie Melissa

Newsweek

[It] reminds us that there is a possibility to restore the relationships we feel slipping through our fingers if we meet our friends and family where they're at, and allow them to flourish in new ways, as well as giving ourselves the same grace.

Oct 21, 2025

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Kyle Smith

Wall Street Journal

The routines that are meant to show off his talent are a weak point, though the movie picks up considerably in its second half, which underlines how marriages benefit from communication.

Oct 16, 2025

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Kristy Puchko

Mashable

Is This Thing On? is like its hero, unremarkable.

Oct 16, 2025

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Mae Abdulbaki

Screen Rant

Cooper’s film is surprisingly thoughtful in its exploration of these questions.The result is a story that is as funny as it is heartfelt.

Rated: 8/10

Oct 22, 2025

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Rebecca Johnson

Nerdspin

His [Cooper's] lightest movie yet, but also one of his most human, tender, and heartfelt, Is This Thing On? boasts hearty laughs, great performances, and a much-needed softer take on relationship breakdown.

Rated: B

Oct 21, 2025

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Tori Brazier

metro.co.uk

Is This Thing On? mines the rich vein of real and honest comedy that can be found in moments of personal tragedy, without ever going over the top... An unexpected team-up produces a polished, funny and poignant film, beautifully performed and directed.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 18, 2025

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Is This Thing On?: Teaser Trailer

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Synopsis

As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family--forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

Director: Bradley Cooper
Producer: Bradley Cooper, Weston Middleton, Will Arnett, Kris Thykier
Screenwriter: Will Arnett, Mark Chappell, Bradley Cooper
Distributor: Searchlight Pictures
Production Co: Electric Avenue Productions, Lea Pictures
Rating: R (Language Throughout|Some Drug Use|Sexual References)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 2h 4m