Bradley Cooper’s New Film “Is This Thing On?” Explores Love and Laughter After Divorce

Bradley Cooper’s new movie “Is This Thing On?” just released its official trailer. The film stars Will Arnett as a man navigating a painful divorce. It will premiere at the New York Film Festival before hitting theaters in December.

The story follows Alex Novak, played by Arnett, who turns to stand-up comedy after his marriage ends. His wife Tess, portrayed by Laura Dern, also grapples with her own sacrifices and identity. The film is a tender look at mid-life crisis and healing.

Cooper Directs a Deeply Personal Story of Second Chances

This marks Bradley Cooper’s third directorial effort. He previously directed “A Star Is Born” and the award-winning “Maestro”. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is an unassuming comic drama that “sneaks up on you” with emotional honesty.

The script was co-written by Cooper, Will Arnett, and Mark Chappell. It draws inspiration from the life of British comedian John Bishop. The ensemble cast also features Andra Day, Ciarán Hinds, and Amy Sedaris in supporting roles.

Critics highlight the natural performances from Arnett and Dern. The story shows how performance can be a therapeutic rebound reflex. It examines whether the foundations of a damaged relationship can remain intact.

A Theatrical Release Aims for Awards Season Recognition

Searchlight Pictures will handle the film’s distribution. The studio plans a select theatrical release on December 19th. This strategic date places the film directly in the heart of awards season.

The movie’s focus on raw, adult emotions targets a mature audience. It follows Cooper’s proven track record of directing acclaimed actor-driven dramas. Industry watchers see it as a potential contender for year-end accolades.

“Is This Thing On?” uses humor as a vehicle for profound personal discovery. Bradley Cooper continues to establish himself as a director drawn to complex human stories. The film promises a blend of laughter and poignant reflection this holiday season.

Thought you’d like to know

What is “Is This Thing On?” about?

The film follows Alex Novak, played by Will Arnett, who becomes a stand-up comic after his divorce. He and his ex-wife, played by Laura Dern, struggle to co-parent and find new identities. It’s a story about mid-life crisis and healing through comedy.

Who directed and wrote the film?

Bradley Cooper directed “Is This Thing On?”. He also co-wrote the screenplay with star Will Arnett and writer Mark Chappell. The story was inspired by the life of comedian John Bishop.

When is the movie’s release date?

The film will have its world premiere at the New York Film Festival. Its official theatrical release is scheduled for December 19, 2024. Searchlight Pictures is handling the distribution.

Who else is in the cast?

Alongside Will Arnett and Laura Dern, the cast includes Bradley Cooper, Andra Day, and Sean Hayes. Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, and Amy Sedaris also feature in the ensemble. It is a star-studded dramatic lineup.

What are critics saying about it?

Early reviews praise the film’s emotional honesty and natural performances. The Hollywood Reporter called it an “unassuming comic drama that sneaks up on you.” The chemistry between Arnett and Dern is highlighted as a key strength.

Is this based on a true story?

The film is not a direct biography. However, the core story was inspired by the real-life experiences of British comedian John Bishop. The writers used this inspiration to craft an original fictional narrative.