Bradley Cooper’s ‘Is This Thing On?’ Earns Acclaim for Mature Take on Marriage and Midlife

LONDON, 28 January 2026 – Bradley Cooper’s third feature film as a director, the comedy-drama Is This Thing On?, has solidified his reputation behind the camera, earning widespread praise for its witty and heartfelt exploration of divorce, co-parenting, and self-reinvention. The film, which premiered in late 2025, features standout performances from Will Arnett and Laura Dern and marks a successful departure from Cooper’s previous, more musically inclined directorial efforts.

A Story of Amicable Separation and Stand-Up

Loosely inspired by the real-life experience of British comedian John Bishop, Is This Thing On? follows Alex Novak (Will Arnett) and Tess Novak (Laura Dern) as they navigate an amicable end to their marriage while raising their two sons. Facing a midlife crossroads, Alex stumbles into the New York stand-up comedy scene, finding an unexpected outlet for his turmoil. Meanwhile, Tess reconnects with her passion for volleyball. The film charts their awkward, often funny attempts to build separate lives while untangling the complex web of their shared history and lingering connection.

Cooper, who co-wrote the screenplay with Arnett and Mark Chappell, also appears in a supporting role as Alex’s best friend, Balls. The ensemble cast includes Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, and a cameo from former NFL star Peyton Manning.

Critical Reception and Box Office Performance

The film premiered as the closing night selection at the 2025 New York Film Festival on 10 October before its wide theatrical release on 19 December 2025. Critics responded positively, particularly praising Arnett’s dramatic depth and Cooper’s assured, intimate direction. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 86% approval rating based on over 160 reviews.

Cooper’s Continued Directorial Evolution

Is This Thing On? represents a distinct chapter in Cooper’s directorial journey. Following the musical romance of A Star Is Born (2018) and the biographical intensity of Maestro (2023), this film showcases his skill with contemporary, dialogue-driven comedy and nuanced relationship dynamics. In interviews, Cooper highlighted his love for writing dialogue and described the project as an opportunity to harness Arnett’s full range of talent. The director’s kinetic camerawork, particularly in the stand-up sequences filmed at New York’s iconic Comedy Cellar, was frequently highlighted by critics for amplifying the film’s emotional intimacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ‘Is This Thing On?’ based on a true story?

Yes, loosely. The screenplay was inspired by the real-life story of British comedian John Bishop, who took up stand-up comedy after a marital separation because he did not want to pay a cover charge at a comedy club.

Did Will Arnett really perform stand-up comedy for the film?

Yes. Arnett, who had no prior stand-up experience, undertook significant preparation for the role, performing at real open mic nights, including at the Comedy Cellar, where he was introduced on stage as his character, Alex.

How does this film compare to Bradley Cooper’s other directorial work?

While A Star Is Born and Maestro were large-scale, biographical musical dramas, Is This Thing On? is a smaller, contemporary comedy-drama focused on middle-aged life and relationships. It demonstrates Cooper’s versatility as a filmmaker interested in human connection across different genres.

Has the film won any awards?

As of January 2026, Laura Dern won the Best Actress award at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards for her performance. The film and its cast have received several other nominations from critics’ groups and festivals.