‘Is This Thing On?’ review: Happy together

Will Arnett stars in Bradley Cooper’s funny meditation on marriage, divorce, and airing it out in front of a crowd asking Is This Thing On?

Sometimes comedy is more than just for laughs. Humor can also be used as a therapeutic tool for processing things in life. But no matter how much you think something sad or shocking in your life is funny, you’re putting it onstage for the world to see. That’s especially true for stand-up comics, many of which only have a few minutes on a tiny stage under a blinding spotlight to make people laugh at their pain. If you’re talking about a breakup with a partner or an annoying family member onstage, you’re revealing them to a room full of strangers whether they like it or not. And if you’re willing to expose someone you love to a group of random people that’ll laugh by your whim…what kind of person does that make you?

Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern) are living a cozy life with two kids in the suburbs and hip friends in New York City. They’re also getting divorced, but they’re being totally cool about it. No shouting, no custody battles, no squabbles for who gets what. Alex moves out of the house while the kids are sleeping and Tess keeps asking if he’s going to be ok. But…is he?

He sits alone in a one-bedroom apartment, contemplates ways to explain his feelings to his parents (Ciarán Hinds and Christine Ebersole), and can’t even go into a bar to get a drink…unless he signs up for the open mic at the Comedy Cellar. Now, truly alone and completely unprepared for this new environment, Alex unloads all of his confusion and sadness from his marriage falling apart in front of complete strangers. The punchline? It works: He gets laughs from the crowd, respect from the other stand-ups, and even a bit of relief from his own depression. So he steps onstage to unload his marital woes in front of random people any chance he can…now what?

Behind the laughs.

Photo Credit: Searchlight Pictures

In the case of Is This Thing On?, it is nearly impossible to separate the art from the artist. Not only is it co-written and directed by Bradley Cooper, but its story and screenplay are both co-written by Arnett. These are two famous guys know for comedic moments (one more than the other, obviously) who had public breakups with their equally-famous partners. Climbing out of a state of depression is nothing new for Arnett either (see BoJack Horseman).

The good news is that Is This Thing On? doesn’t have too much bitterness or wallowing in its screenplay. Thanks to co-writers Mark Chappell and John Bishop (the latter being of the UK’s biggest comics), Alex’s jokes at the expense of his marriage are meant to give him clarity and growth instead of just regurgitating things about his wife that annoyed him. The script always keeps Alex as the underdog, never wanting to hurt anyone while trying to find the next phase of his life. He uses the relief of stand-up as a positive influence in taking care of his kids and trying to maintain a parental relationship with Tess. It’s a very mature, understated approach to the “new lease on life” narrative that, while wrapping-up a bit too tidy at the end, manages to handle the aspects of marital depression in a lighthearted way.

Starting over.

Photo Credit: Searchlight Pictures

Although this is Cooper’s third feature in the director’s chair, Is This Thing On? feels like a fresh start for the Oscar nominee. Cooper strips away the scale of A Star is Born and the sweeping theatricality of Maestro for something more intimate and scrappy. Not gritty though, as cinematographer Matthew Libatique (who also shot Cooper’s prior films) lights scenes with touches of warmth. Even in the scenes where Alex is under the harsh spotlight of a stage, Libatique and Cooper shoot him like he has a shield of warmth around him.

At just a hare over two hours, Is This Thing On? has the breezy pacing of a good indie comedy. It doesn’t ask any bold questions or subvert any kind of formula, but it has enough humor and heart that don’t feel forced. The script isn’t too mushy and never gets too dark to create tonal whiplash. Cooper and his filmmaking team know how to craft solid pacing out of material that never delves too deep into drama. You might feel a hint of NYC snobbery coming from all the financially well-off characters, and the movie never gives room to a struggling up-and-coming comic to act as a mirror for Alex’s life.  Still, Cooper’s stripped-down filmmaking meshes well with the charm in the writing.

Step into the spotlight.

Photo Credit: Searchlight Pictures

Arnett has likely been waiting for a role like this all of his life. It’s practically tailor-made for his dry humor and haggard presence. Few performances have better defined “divorced dad energy” than Arnett with his five o’clock shadow, faux-feathered hair that needs one more comb through it, and gravelly voice that sounds born from cigarettes and alcohol. Thankfully Arnett isn’t just leaning on his physical presence; he does well being vulnerable onstage and in front of his family when trying to explain his current state. Even though Arnett is clearly a confident and charismatic figure in real life, he does very well making Alex’s emotions bare and vulnerable. It’s one of the most pitch-perfect castings since Simon Rex in Sean Baker’s Red Rocket.

The cherry on top is Arnett’s fantastic chemistry with Dern, even as they’re playing a couple that’s breaking up. Even though she’s not the focus of the movie, Dern’s radiant presence and beaming confidence fills in whatever blanks there are in her character writing. She’s never a weeping wife or vindictive towards her ending marriage, instead looking to support Alex in this transitional period while also preparing for the next phase of her life. In what is basically a supporting role, Dern makes her character well-rounded through sheer force of will. The rest of the supporting cast (including Cooper, Hinds, and Andra Day) makes decent impressions coloring the background of Alex’s life. There is one surprise cameo that I dare not spoil, but it is such an out-of-nowhere casting pick that’s both shocking and very funny.

The bottom line.

Is This Thing On? could be seen as the sleeper hit of 2025. It’s a restrained but deeply-heartfelt tale of redemption late in life, while also being one of the best romantic comedies in some time. Cooper shows he can craft an engaging film with minimal pomp and circumstance, and Arnett reaches a career peak. With Award Season just around the corner, it’s a shame that such an understated piece will likely get swept under the rug. Still, the emotional maturity on display here is nothing to laugh at.

Is This Thing On? is now playing in select theaters. Watch the trailer here.

Images courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. Read more articles by Jon Winkler here.

Jon Winkler