Bradley Cooper’s latest film, Is This Thing On, is already creating major buzz in Hollywood after its emotional premiere at the New York Film Festival 2025. Known for his storytelling brilliance in A Star Is Born and Maestro, Cooper now delivers a touching, human story that mixes heartbreak, humor, and hope.
The film stars Will Arnett as a man rediscovering himself through stand-up comedy after a painful separation. Laura Dern co-stars as his wife, adding depth and tenderness to this bittersweet drama. Cooper not only directs but also co-wrote the screenplay — turning Is This Thing On into one of his most personal projects yet.
What Is This Thing On Is All About
In Is This Thing On, Will Arnett plays Alex, a man struggling with a failing marriage and the loneliness that follows. Instead of giving up, he finds healing through laughter, stepping into the world of stand-up comedy. His awkward but heartfelt performances reveal more than jokes — they show the raw truth of a man trying to find himself again.
The film captures how comedy can become therapy — a way to turn pain into connection. Bradley Cooper’s direction and Arnett’s authentic performance make this story feel deeply relatable.
Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett: A Real-Life Friendship on Film
Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett aren’t just co-workers — they’re longtime friends. At the NYFF premiere, Cooper called Arnett “one of my closest friends” and said that watching him “bare his soul through this character” was a moving experience.
Their friendship inspired much of the film’s tone. Cooper shared that he met Arnett years ago in New York and admired his humor and heart. That genuine bond is what gives Is This Thing On its emotional depth — it’s about two people who have been through life’s ups and downs together.
New York: The Soul of Is This Thing On
Bradley Cooper’s love for New York City runs through every scene of the film. Having attended grad school there in the late 1990s, Cooper called New York “a city that still has magic.”
“The only place to ever show this movie was here,” he told the crowd at the festival. The movie captures the city’s stand-up clubs, its quiet streets, and that feeling of finding yourself among millions. Is This Thing On feels like a personal thank-you note to the city that made Bradley Cooper who he is today.
Festival Night Highlights
- Red Carpet Arrival: Cooper, Arnett, and Laura Dern received an emotional welcome at Alice Tully Hall.
- Heartfelt Speech: Cooper talked about New York, friendship, and the long creative journey behind Is This Thing On.
- Audience Reaction: The crowd laughed, cried, and gave a long standing ovation.
- Critical Praise: Early reviews call it “Cooper’s most heartfelt and mature work.”
- Official Release: Is This Thing On opens in limited theaters on December 19, 2025, under Searchlight Pictures.
People Also Ask
Q1: What is Is This Thing On about?
It’s a story of a man using stand-up comedy to heal after a painful breakup, blending humor, vulnerability, and self-discovery.
Q2: Who stars in Is This Thing On?
The film stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern, with Bradley Cooper as director and co-writer.
Q3: When does Is This Thing On release in the U.S.?
It opens in limited U.S. theaters on December 19, 2025.
Q4: Why is Is This Thing On so meaningful for Bradley Cooper?
It reflects his real-life friendship with Arnett and his emotional connection to New York City — the place that shaped his creative spirit.
Final Thoughts Why You’ll Love Is This Thing On
Is This Thing On is not just about comedy — it’s about courage, connection, and finding beauty in life’s broken moments. With heartfelt performances from Will Arnett and Laura Dern, and Bradley Cooper’s emotionally rich direction, this film reminds us that sometimes, laughter is the best way to face our pain.
When the mic turns on and the lights hit the stage, one question remains — Is This Thing On? The answer, after NYFF, is a powerful yes. 🎤