Twelve-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Maestro) returns to the director’s chair with the heartfelt, funny and grounded dramedy Is This Thing On?
Acclaimed actor-comedian Will Arnett (who also cowrote the film with Cooper) shines under the spotlight in a rare dramatic turn alongside a superb showing from Oscar-winner Laura Dern.
After many years together, Alex (Arnett) and Tess (Dern) have reached an amicable end to their marriage, thus beginning the awkward stage of figuring out how to live separately while raising two boys, Felix and Jude, and maintaining their friendships. After they split, Alex puts his name down for the open mic night at the Comedy Cellar. Alex begins to regularly do stand-up and he has a fling with Jill, a fellow comic. Tess returns to her passion of volleyball, specifically looking forward to possibly coaching in the 2028 Summer Olympics, and starts seeing Laird.
As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex seeks new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their family – forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.
Premiering to strong buzz at the New York Film Festival, the film continues Cooper’s run of incisive, mature dramas, showcasing his gift for drawing humour and humanity from the most intimate corners of life.
Anchored by deeply honest performances and remarkable on-screen chemistry from Arnett and Dern, the film stands as a reminder that embracing the absurdities of marriage with candour and humour can make the messiness meaningful.
Screening at the Palace Cinemas, Byron Bay
palacecinemas.com.au
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