Is This Thing On?

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2:23

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Is This Thing On?

R

In Theaters Jan 9

2h 4m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

120 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family--forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

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In Theaters Jan 9

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Critics Consensus

Mining sly humor from its mature portrait of a failing marriage, Is This Thing On? is another terrific relationship study from Bradley Cooper and an ideal platform for Will Arnett's dramatic chops.

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Bradley Cooper

Director

Will Arnett

Alex Novak

Laura Dern

Tess Novak

Andra Day

Actor

Bradley Cooper

Actor

Amy Sedaris

Actor

Stephanie Merry

Washington Post

1d

3/4

Was it really the marriage that made them miserable, or did they do that on their own? There’s no easy answer to that one. But watching them work it out is great fun.

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Maxwell Rabb

Chicago Reader

1d

The problem with Is This Thing On? isn’t its setup, but how little it actually excavates loneliness or the ways a lack of purpose can curdle into something corrosive.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

6d

3.5/4

Is This Thing On? is gratefully never cynical, just aware that the happily-ever-after scenario doesn’t cover the the scope of what relationships are all about.

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Aaron Peterson

The Hollywood Outsider

8h

5.5/10

Despite strong performances from Will Arnett and Laura Dern, Bradley Cooper's Is This Thing On? rarely elevates its voice.

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Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

11h

While no "Splitsville" (2025), "Is This Thing On?" is better than "Materialists" (2025).

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Rene Sanchez

Cine Sin Fronteras

1d

3/4

An intimate and thoughtful portrait of marriage, elevated by Will Arnett and Laura Dern's superbly balanced blend of humor and sensitivity. [Full Review in Spanish]

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denise

52m

wonderful written and directed by Bradley cooper will arnett and laura dern cameo by Peyton Manning ..nice end of year surprise ..understated

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william s

1d

Masterpiece! Absolutely loved it. Superb writing, directing, acting.

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Stephen T

2d

poignant story full of humor, insights, tender words, and serious acting filmed upclose and intimate. the cast is completely locked in...from the grandparents to the kids which keeps the audience relentlessly engaged.

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Mitchell

2d

I thought this film was going to be emotional with a bit of comedy, but it was way funnier than I expected. Every character has their moments and delivers great little zingers throughout the film. Highly recommend.

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Sparrow

3d

Will Arnetts performance is incredible (all of the performances are fantastic—Laura Derns as well), and gives us an opportunity to see him in a very different acting context. The movie is also shot in a novel way, with all the closeups. Loved learning more about the standup comedy world, as well.

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Randi

4d

Amazing acting, true storyline with emotional portrayals

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Is This Thing On?: Exclusive Featurette - Behind the Mic

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Is This Thing On?: Trailer 1

2:23

Is This Thing On?: Teaser Trailer

2:13

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Synopsis

As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family--forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

Director: Bradley Cooper
Producer: Bradley Cooper, Weston Middleton, Will Arnett, Kris Thykier
Screenwriter: Will Arnett, Mark Chappell, Bradley Cooper
Distributor: Searchlight Pictures
Production Co: Archery Pictures, Lea Pictures
Rating: R (Language Throughout|Some Drug Use|Sexual References)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 9, 2026, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $135.8K
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.66:1)