A poignant dramedy about divorce, reinvention, and the unexpected ways we reconnect
Is This Thing On? The trials and tribulations of getting divorced can be complicated. Even when the separation is amicable, there are still hurt feelings that can create tension for everyone involved; more so if there are young children in the mix. For Alex (Will Arnett; Arrested Development) and Tess (Laura Dern; Jurassic Park) Novack, this is the situation they find themselves delicately trying to navigate in the 2025 film Is This Thing On? Loosely based on the life of British comedian John Bishop (Doctor Who), the film was chosen to close the New York Film Festival and is now available at your local retailer for purchase.
Alex and Tess have decided to split up after 20 years of marriage, stating they are both unhappy. One night, to avoid paying the bar cover charge, Alex signs up to do a stand-up routine. While he isn't very good, he finds it therapeutic, and it gives him an adrenaline rush. He becomes somewhat of a changed man and continues to sign up to work on new material.
One night, unbeknownst to Alex, Tess ends up at the club and sees his routine. Besides making her angry, because he spent a lot of time talking about their divorce, it also helps her see Alex a little differently, and she is suddenly attracted to her ex-husband again. They start meeting up clandestinely, and once again, things eventually come crashing down. However, his stand-up has helped Alex become introspective, and he shares his thoughts with Tess, who decides to give them another chance.
Is This Thing On? Is Bradley Cooper's third foray into directing a major motion picture, and he once again proves himself as more than capable. While this movie doesn't have the same gravitas as the previous two, Cooper still makes it enjoyable while stirring the audiences' emotions, especially for those who have gotten a divorce, amicable or otherwise. I have always said Cooper is an actor's director as he pulls out incredible performances from his cast, and while Arnett and Dern were excellent choices to play Alex and Tess, Cooper elevates them to the next level.
The video is presented in Dolby Vision with a 1.66:1 aspect ratio. The quality is excellent, especially in the scenes that take place at night and in the dark basement of the comedy club. The Black tones are deep and true, while the brighter colors pop. Details are sharp and clean throughout, even though, in this case, the visuals are secondary to the story rather than enhancing it. The Dolby Atmos audio is very good as well. The various tracks have delineation so that the ambient sounds of the comedy club (i.e., the audience laughter or drinking glasses clinking) don't overpower the monologue when Alex is on stage.
The 4K combo pack includes the 4K disc, the 1080p Blu-ray disc, and the digital download. Housed on the Blu-ray is the lone, 13-minute-long extra called Mic Drop: Making Is This Thing On? Sadly, this extra is a fluff piece that doesn't offer a ton of information that you didn't already know or couldn't figure out for yourself.
Is This Thing On? Is a movie that deals with a somber and sobering subject matter while being surrounded by comedy. In the wrong hands, this movie could have been a mess, but luckily, it was turned over to the very capable hands of Cooper, who brings the beauty and humor out of the sadness. The movie is a little depressing while still being life-affirming and hopeful. It is a delicate balancing act that Cooper, Arnett, and Dern handle expertly, which in turn delivers us a terrific film to think about and ponder long after the credits roll ( a particular talent of Cooper's).
Grade: B+
