In the latest installment of Slate’s Movie Club, critics Dana Stevens, Justin Chang, Alison Willmore, and Bilge Ebiri engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the cinematic landscape of 2025, with a particular focus on Bradley Cooper’s new film, Is This Thing On? Stevens, who selected it for the closing night of the New York Film Festival, expresses her initial anxiety about how audiences would receive this heartfelt and humorous exploration of love and self-care.
Stevens reflects on the disorientation of viewing a film in an empty theater before its release and how that influenced her perception. However, upon rewatching the film with an audience, she found her initial charm reaffirmed, delighting in Cooper’s adept directing that balances humor, grit, and emotional depth. With a standout performance from Will Arnett and the charming exasperation of Laura Dern, the film resonates with viewers through its themes of human connection and resilience.
Drawing comparisons, Stevens highlights similarities between Is This Thing On? and the Icelandic film The Love That Remains, which explores the complexities of post-marriage relationships through its character-driven storytelling. While differing in tone, both films showcase flawed characters on a journey of self-discovery, guided by directors who allow their characters time to breathe and grow.
Discussion amongst the critics also turns to other noteworthy films from the year. Stevens contrasts the engaging, high-tension narrative of the Sundance hit Marty Supreme with the less cohesive political thriller A House of Dynamite. In a nod to the criticism of political dramas, she remarks on the complex yet sometimes off-putting blending of narrative and earnest commentary in both A House of Dynamite and The Voice of Hind Rajab, which tackles significant socio-political issues.
As the conversation evolves, the critics delve into the intricacies of character development, with Stevens expressing her appreciation for the nuanced portrayal of characters in films like Who by Fire by Philippe Lesage. This drama offers a deep dive into personal grievances that reflect broader themes of ambition and insecurity across generations.
Overall, the dialogue in this installment of Slate’s Movie Club offers a rich and insightful examination of the year’s cinematic offerings, shedding light on the emotional resonance and complexity of storytelling in contemporary film. The critics’ appreciation for both meaningful narratives and the exploration of human relationships is a hopeful reminder of cinema’s ability to connect audiences through shared experiences and insights.