Opening in theaters this Friday, “Is This Thing On?” embarks on a journey exploring the discord between what is amplified in life and what is genuinely heard, starting off with the probing question, “We need to call it, right?” This line, delivered by Tess Novak, played by Laura Dern, during a routine dental session in their suburban New York home, hints at the fragile state of her marriage with Alex, portrayed by Will Arnett. While Tess seeks clarity, Alex nonchalantly agrees, marking the beginning of their emotional unraveling.
As their relationship deteriorates, Alex attempts a comedic escape, taking to the stage to perform in order to avoid a bar cover charge. Although Alex’s friends have dubbed him “the funny one,” he works in finance—a field that offers little comedic fodder. His inexperience in stand-up comedy quickly becomes evident as he awkwardly reveals personal confessions, ultimately eliciting nervous laughter from the audience. Nevertheless, this raw honesty, which he can’t share with family and friends, becomes an outlet for him, leading him to further pursue comedy as a means of coping with his failing marriage.
While “Is This Thing On?” is not a biopic, it draws from real-life experiences of John Bishop, a British medical representative who sought solace in comedy following a marital separation. Bishop contributed to the story alongside Arnett and Mark Chappell, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Bradley Cooper. The film marks a departure from the grand narratives of Cooper’s previous directorial efforts, “A Star is Born” and “Maestro,” opting for a more intimate exploration of everyday challenges.
Cooper takes on a supporting role as Balls, a comedic friend of Alex, bringing levity to the film’s deeper themes. The film navigates the complex, often painful emotions between Alex and Tess, even with a subdued cinematographic approach from Matthew Libatique, who captures the rawness of their relationship dynamics.
Laura Dern and Will Arnett deliver compelling performances, with Dern offering a nuanced portrayal that invites comparisons to her renowned role in “Marriage Story.” For Arnett, known primarily for his comedic roles, this film showcases his ability to handle more serious, heartfelt material, providing a refreshing twist for audiences.
A clever narrative choice is the way Alex and Tess’s younger children stumble upon Alex’s notebook filled with jokes, enriching the plot with a layer of complexity. The intersection of Alex’s burgeoning comedy career and Tess’s renewed dating life serves as a captivating second-act development, prompting both characters to redefine their relationship while confronting unspoken grievances.
Despite its poignant moments, “Is This Thing On?” does display some inconsistencies that hint at it being the debut feature of an actor-turned-director rather than the third. Certain pivotal elements of Alex’s comedic evolution may feel disconnected, and the film’s reliance on a tried-and-true musical cue towards the end risks overwhelming the narrative. Nevertheless, in its pursuit to encapsulate authentic emotions, the film resonates, illustrating Cooper’s potential to engage audiences in smaller-scale settings, much like he has with grand cinematic achievements.
In essence, “Is This Thing On?” is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the power of comedy, sure to provoke laughter and introspection in equal measure as it opens in theaters.