‘Is This Thing On?’: Will Arnett & Laura Dern Shine In A Midlife Crisis Between Punchlines

Is This Thing On? is quietly funny, painfully real, and unexpectedly hopeful, a deeply lived-in rollercoaster dramedy that understands the disorientation of finding yourself when the familiar stops fitting.

Low on spectacle but high on observation, Bradley Cooper’s third directorial venture is loosely inspired by UK comedian John Bishop‘s life.

The film follows Alex, a man left untethered by the slow collapse of his 20-year marriage while searching for purpose in the New York comedy scene.

After splitting from his wife, Alex, played by Will Arnett in a rare dramatic turn, signs up for an open-mic night as to avoid paying a bar cover. What begins as an awkward confessional slowly reveals a hidden talent and outlet, reflecting Alex’s growth.

The comedy scene and community offers him a space to stumble, face personal truths, and slowly find himself again amid clumsy routines.

Simultaneously, Alex’s wife Tess, played by an unsurprisingly exceptional Laura Dern, grapples with her own identity and sacrifices as a volleyball star turned full-time mom. Crucially, Is This Thing On? refuses to treat Tess as collateral damage but rather the film’s emotional backbone. Dern brings full presence to the role, insisting agency and depth.

The couple’s story is far from a melodrama of fiery divorce ala Marriage Story, but a gentle, messy exploration of self-satisfaction and the possibilities of reigniting connection.

The film leans on performances more than plot, and it pays off in spades. Aside from sharp comedic timing, Arnett grounds Alex with sincerity, walking a careful line between vulnerability and pity without ever tipping into indulgence.

Easily showcasing her range, Dern easily balances wit and quiet frustration, ensuring Tess’s inner life feels just as rich.

While they initially feel like an unusual pair, their chemistry sizzles and sells two decades of love, conflict and realignment.

Supporting performances, including the kids with precocious charm, and offbeat cameos add levity without overwhelming. Cooper reserves a highlight role for himself as Balls (Yes, you read that right.), a perpetually stoned, delusional aspiring actor whose absurd antics leave you wanting more.

The stand-up sequences blend scripted and lived in comedy, informed by real rooms and real comedians, and its awkwardness and occasional flatness only add to its authenticity.

As the routines recede in the latter half, the structural shift reinforces the film’s central idea: self expression can open a door, but it can’t substitute for real change

Cooper directs with confidence rather than control, trusting writing and performances to carry the story.

Visually, the film embraces Alex’s perspective. Claustrophobic framing immerses the audience in intimate, sometimes uncomfortable spaces, mirroring Alex’s longing for connection.

Clever transitions and a lively score maintain rhythm while vibrant cinematography contrasts the energy of comedy clubs with the quiet weight of domestic life.

Though it might feel rough around the edges when pacing drifts at times, and a touch of indulgence creeps in, the film’s heart steadies it.

Comedy nerds, Bojack Horseman fans, or anyone craving a nuanced, sincere and entertaining look at relationships will likely find a lot to enjoy.

Is This Thing On? isn’t ground-breaking, but it’s a solid slice-of-life dramedy. It understands love as effort, growth as uneven, and connection as a choice. Grounded in change rather than nostalgia, its hope feels earned.

Touching, funny, and deeply felt, moments that earn both laughs and winces linger longer than louder films do.

★★★½

Is This Thing On? is in theatres from 2 February.