Is This Thing On? is a new film set to hit theaters on December 19, following its world premiere at this year’s New York Film Festival. Written by Bradley Cooper, Will Arnett, and Mark Chappell—and directed by Cooper—the film stars Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, and Cooper himself. The story follows Alex and Tess as their marriage quietly unravels: Alex, facing middle age and an impending divorce, seeks new purpose in the New York comedy scene, while Tess reckons with the sacrifices she’s made for their family. Together, they must navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take on a new form.

It’s films like this that make me feel incredibly fortunate to experience so many titles before their theatrical release. Bradley Cooper has already proven his directorial talent with two acclaimed films that showcased his ambition and artistic drive. With Is This Thing On?, he takes a more restrained approach—subtle, grounded, and perhaps easier to overlook at first glance. I’ll admit, it wasn’t initially high on my radar. I usually avoid trailers, but I happened to catch this one in theaters, and it stood out—looking far better than most previews these days. After finally watching the film, I can say without hesitation that it exceeded all my expectations.

Going into this film, it’s easy for me to feel a connection to any story about divorce—my parents are divorced, after all—so there’s an immediate emotional link there. Even as a married man, though, I didn’t relate to the story because of my own life, but rather through how Will Arnett channels emotion. His performance resonates on a universal level; his facial expressions alone communicate exactly what he’s feeling. Arnett delivers one of the year’s most affecting performances—something I never expected to say—but that’s the power of Cooper’s direction.

Whenever people talk about “the funniest movie of the year,” I often hear The Naked Gun mentioned. That film is hilarious in its own right, embracing a bygone era of comedy, but I’d argue Is This Thing On? earns that title instead. The humor here feels effortless—the dialogue never forced, always natural, real, and grounded in human experience. Even Bradley Cooper himself is genuinely funny, portraying a man who takes life one day at a time.

As I get older, I find myself drawn more and more to slice-of-life films. Is This Thing On? struck a perfect balance between humor and emotion, giving me a genuinely memorable experience. While it easily delivers on laughs, it also lands with real emotional weight. It’s easy to understand why these characters behave the way they do—no one is an outright villain, but everyone has their reasons for frustration or pain. That nuance allows the entire supporting cast to truly earn their place in the story.

The film’s title, Is This Thing On?, carries multiple meanings—referring not just to Arnett’s stand-up performances, but also to the uncertainty surrounding his marriage and whether it still “works.” Beneath that, the film offers a heartfelt message about not losing yourself in routine and embracing the excitement that life still has to offer, even as you grow older.

Laura Dern, in my opinion, can do no wrong. She elevates every film she’s in, and this one is no exception. While the story is primarily told through Arnett’s perspective, Cooper strikes a thoughtful balance between him and Dern’s character, giving the audience a fuller, more empathetic understanding of their relationship. The film drops us straight into their situation, yet through natural, well-written dialogue—never forced exposition—we come to understand how they arrived here. There’s even one particularly powerful scene between Andra Day and Will Arnett that feels raw and deeply personal.

The film never wastes a moment of its 124-minute runtime. I was completely locked in from start to finish—so much so that I stayed in my seat long after the credits rolled, something I’ve only done recently with films like Perfect Days and Sorry, Baby. From the way the story flows to the musical choices Cooper weaves throughout, Is This Thing On? bursts with energy and authenticity, giving it a distinct vitality that makes it stand out.

Whenever I find myself deeply immersed in a film, I’ll occasionally wonder if there’s anything I don’t like about it. In this case, I can say with full confidence that I loved every minute. I think most audiences will really enjoy the film, though I might be among the smaller group who consider it perfect. I’d even go so far as to call it Cooper’s best work to date. While I’ve appreciated his previous films, I think Cooper is at his strongest when he relaxes into storytelling like this—when he’s not striving for prestige but instead allowing others, like Arnett, to shine. Much like the Safdie brothers, Cooper seems poised to help actors better known for supporting roles deliver career-defining performances.

Overall, Is This Thing On? firmly earns its place as not only one of the funniest but also one of the best films of the year. I feel genuinely privileged to have seen it early, as it won’t open in limited theaters until December 19—and likely won’t expand nationwide until January. Still, keep this one on your radar. From its heart and emotion to its standout performances and thoughtful storytelling, Is This Thing On? is a film you won’t regret watching.

VERDICT: 5/5 – Perfect