Is This Thing On? - A Movie Review

We’ll figure it out together.

Is This Thing On? showed up in theaters in 2025. Alex and Tess’s marriage falls apart. Struggling with the divorce, Alex discovers open mic comedy nights, which become his outlet to talk about the dilemma. Meanwhile, Tess confronts sacrifices made for the family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting.

I have been waiting the longest time to see Is This Thing On? in theaters. As I suspected from the trailer, the story centers on divorce and stand-up comedy. You wouldn’t think the pair works, but with its direction, the film sports a healthier depiction of divorced couples.

Will Arnett and Laura Dern star as a couple who have lost their spark and figure out where it went wrong. The actors sink into their roles, working well with a worn dynamic, and bringing depth to their characters. Dern is a marvelous actress, and watching her countenance evolve is the most significant trademark of her acting.

I like how Arnett discovers his character’s joy for stand-up. To prep for the role, Arnett went to comedy nights and actually performed while in character. Although Alex struggles with how comedy works, this becomes his outlet. He lets it go to his head, missing out on important life moments, and even forgetting to be respectful.

More credits include Andra Day, Bradley Cooper, Blake Kane, Calvin Knegten, Christine Ebersole, and several extras in the comedy crowd nights. I was excited to see Andra Day in the supportive best friend role. Day is a strong actress, and she turns typical roles into something more.

The film is based on true events about Arnett’s meeting with John Bishop, a comedian who discovered stand-up comedy after his divorce. Not only did Bradley Cooper star in the film, but he also directed it. Arnett and Cooper are lifelong friends, and Cooper was drawn to the emotional layers of the story.

Is This Thing On? is not your typical divorce film. In the planning process, Cooper steered away from making the stand-up comedy a documentary and focused more on Alex and Tess’s relationship. The story is a refreshing take where nobody argues constantly. Alex and Tess discuss their problems in a humane and well-mannered fashion.

That’s what I like most about the film. It’s lighthearted in its delivery. Nothing feels forced or over-scripted; instead, the film unfolds like a series of emotional realizations rather than narrative beats. The scene where Alex comforts his sons in a misunderstanding is a sweet moment. It reminds us that we’re all human and sometimes forget ourselves.

The film is also funny, letting audiences laugh from the emotional weight. My audience laughed at the jokes. Ebersole was funny in the grandmother role.

The performing arts are portrayed in a positive light in Is This Thing On? In the last year, I have discovered several films that depict theater in a positive light. I couldn’t agree more. Theater impacts mental health and helps you forget about reality for a bit.

In my journey as an entertainment reviewer, I have attended more comedy shows. Stand-up comedy is an interesting area and also has its controversial side. It allows people talk about subjects that are troubling them.

But that’s when you have to know the limit. What jokes are funny and what draws the line? Cooper directs these scenes very well. New York City plays as the story’s backdrop, and real-life popular locations were used for comedy clubs.

It was long in parts, but Is This Thing On? made me think. Audiences should give the film a chance.