In the heart of New York City, where laughter and heartbreak often collide, a new film is making waves for its raw, relatable take on love, loss, and the healing power of comedy. "Is This Thing On?"—now playing in theaters nationwide—stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern as Alex and Tess, a couple whose marriage of twenty years comes to an end, only to spark a journey of self-discovery, unexpected humor, and authentic connection.
The story, as reported by On The Red Carpet and Searchlight Pictures, centers on Alex, who, after the separation, finds himself renting a modest apartment in Manhattan while Tess remains in their family home outside the city with their children. One evening, in a twist of fate (and perhaps a bit of thriftiness), Alex ducks into a bar and, to avoid a cover charge, signs up for open mic comedy night. What begins as an awkward attempt to dodge a fee quickly turns into a revelation: comedy, with all its vulnerability and improvisation, becomes Alex’s unlikely lifeline as he navigates the emotional minefield of divorce.
But the film’s narrative is only half the story. As The New York Times noted, "Is This Thing On?" is also a testament to the real-life friendships and shared histories of its creators. Will Arnett, who co-wrote the script with Mark Chappell, teams up with Bradley Cooper—who not only directs but also co-produces and stars as Balls, the couple’s friend and resident comic relief. Laura Dern, meanwhile, brings her signature depth and wit to Tess, a former volleyball champion wrestling with her own disappointments and hopes.
The chemistry among the cast is no accident. Cooper and Arnett have been close friends for a quarter-century, while Dern and Cooper’s camaraderie stretches back a decade. All three, now in their fifties, have weathered their own divorces and raised children, infusing the film with a lived-in authenticity that critics have praised. Their inside jokes, shared memories, and even their board game rituals seep into the story, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs feel all the more genuine.
"After years of deeply knowing each other, we made a movie together," Dern reflected in an interview with The New York Times. The film’s production echoed its themes of improvisation and honesty. Scenes were often rewritten on the day, with the actors encouraged to inhabit their roles fully and respond to each moment as it unfolded. "We never had a preconceived notion of how the scene was gonna go and that's the best part," Arnett explained to On The Red Carpet. Cooper added, "You're inhabiting it. We never had a preconceived notion of how the scene was gonna go and that's the best part."
This commitment to authenticity extended to the film’s guerrilla-style shoot. With a shoestring budget and a desire for realism, the team filmed at iconic New York comedy clubs like the Comedy Cellar, often sharing the stage with real-life comedians and, in a charming twist, Cooper’s own pet dogs. The result is a film that feels both intimate and alive, with the city itself becoming a character in Alex and Tess’s story.
Arnett’s performance, in particular, has drawn critical acclaim. Known primarily for his comedic roles, he brings a surprising dramatic depth to Alex, balancing the character’s pain with moments of levity and self-deprecating humor. According to The New York Times, critics have responded positively, especially to Arnett’s dramatic turn, which anchors the film’s exploration of vulnerability and growth.
The script, loosely inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop, delves into the messy realities of relationships—how they evolve, fracture, and sometimes, against the odds, find new footing. As Cooper put it, the challenge was to "not skirt around the realities of humanity, and still have a hopeful ending." The film doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness and uncertainty of starting over, but it also finds moments of grace in the laughter that bubbles up when least expected.
One line from the film, discussed in a recent Manhattan interview with the stars, seems to encapsulate its bittersweet spirit: "I want to be unhappy with you." It’s a sentiment that’s both funny and deeply poignant—a reminder that love, in all its forms, is rarely neat or simple.
For Dern, the project was a chance to explore the complexities of honesty in relationships. "It's just learning to be honest enough with yourself that you can actually tell the other person, which is so much braver," she told On The Red Carpet. "We've all lived that story, you know. Every couple has been through that story." Day, another member of the cast, praised Arnett’s commitment, saying, "The first word that comes to mind about what Will is bringing to this role is authenticity. And belief, you know, belief in what he's doing, belief in all of our work, belief in his director."
The collaborative nature of the film extended behind the scenes as well. Cooper, who admitted he can’t direct a project he hasn’t helped write, worked closely with Arnett and Chappell to shape the script, often rewriting scenes on set to reflect the evolving dynamics among the cast. "As Bradley came into it, Bradley started to discover what the film was telling him, what the story was revealing to him," Dern recalled. The result is a film that feels less like a scripted drama and more like a conversation among friends—sometimes messy, often hilarious, and always heartfelt.
Despite its modest budget, "Is This Thing On?" has resonated with audiences and critics alike, thanks in large part to its willingness to embrace the awkward, uncomfortable truths of modern relationships. The film’s blend of humor and heartache, grounded in the real-life experiences of its creators, offers a refreshing alternative to the more polished, predictable fare that often dominates the multiplex.
As of early January 2026, "Is This Thing On?" is playing in theaters everywhere, inviting viewers to laugh, cry, and perhaps see a bit of themselves in Alex and Tess’s journey. In a cinematic landscape crowded with spectacle and artifice, this dramedy stands out for its honesty, its humor, and its celebration of the messy, beautiful business of being human.
Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that find comedy in the cracks of heartbreak—and remind us that, even in our most vulnerable moments, we’re not alone.