Is This Thing On? is a gentle, well regarded comedy-drama that uses New York’s stand-up comedy culture to examine marriage, middle age, and second chances. It stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern.

Overview

Is This Thing On? subtly positions itself as one of the year’s most poignant comedy-dramas when it opens in theaters on January 9, 2026.

The film, which was directed by Bradley Cooper and featured career-best performances from Will Arnett and Laura Dern, examines what happens when love changes rather than ends.

With an 88% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences, the film has already established itself as a thoughtful relationship study rather than a conventional romantic comedy.

Plot Synopsis: When Marriage Develops Rather Than Explodes

Alex Novak (Will Arnett) and Tess Novak (Laura Dern), a long-married couple whose relationship is subtly failing, are at the focus of the narrative.

There is only emotional distance, spoken regrets, and the gradual realization that life has veered off track rather than a dramatic betrayal or cataclysmic fallout.

Alex immerses himself in New York City’s stand-up comedy scene in an attempt to find a new purpose as he approaches middle age and an upcoming divorce. In the meantime, Tess starts to think about what her own version of reinvention might entail and the sacrifices she made for their family.

Instead than portraying divorce as a failure

Will Arnett’s Performance That Will Define His Career

Will Arnett, who is best known for his comedic parts, gives a subdued, incredibly genuine performance that has been generally hailed as revolutionary by reviewers. His Alex is profoundly familiar, sensitive without theatrics, and humorous without trying to be.

This may be the most underappreciated dramatic performance of his career, according to a number of audience reviews; some have even called it award-worthy.

Laura Dern Adds Grace and Emotional Precision

Tess by Laura Dern is similarly captivating; she is kind, irritated, strong, and emotionally nuanced.

Dern gives a performance that feels lived-in rather than staged, capturing the inner life of a woman rediscovering herself after years of putting family first.

Their calm moments are just as riveting as any dramatic encounter because Arnett and Dern have a natural chemistry that successfully sells decades of shared experience.

Bradley Cooper’s style: personal, perceptive, yet understated

Bradley Cooper is an intimate director. The movie steers clear of dramatization in favor of close-ups, handheld camera technique, and realistic, frequently spontaneous conversation.

Critics have observed that home moments linger in stillness, reflecting the protagonists’ emotional estrangement from one another, while scenes set inside claustrophobic comedy clubs pulse with anxious energy.

The film’s central idea—that genuine relationships seldom end abruptly but instead fade, change, and reinvent themselves—is reinforced by this observational technique.

Critical Reaction: The Reasons for the Divided but Generally Impressed Rotten Tomatoes Score

88% of critics (113 reviews)

88% of the audience (50+ verified ratings)

What Appreciated Critics

A mature, non-cynical perspective on marriage

The dramatic depth of Will Arnett

Realistic depiction of the culture of stand-up comedy

Honesty in feelings without being overly sentimental

What Some Opponents Questioned

A typical divorce film format

Fewer classic “laugh-out-loud” situations

However, Rotten Tomatoes summarizes the movie as follows, indicating that the general consensus is still strong:

“Is This Thing On? is another fantastic relationship study from Bradley Cooper, mining sly humor from its mature portrait of a failing marriage.”

Audience Response: Deeply Relatable, Quietly Emotional

Reviews from the audience are overwhelmingly positive, often emphasizing:

Genuine conversation

Realistic emotions

Unexpected tenderness at the conclusion

Excellent group performances

Many people commended the movie for striking a balance between unfiltered emotion and group laughing, creating a sense of community rather than loneliness.

A Quick Look at Technical Details

Bradley Cooper is the director.

Cast: Amy Sedaris, Will Arnett, Laura Dern, and Andra Day

Genre: Drama/Comedy

Time: 2 hours and 4 minutes

Score: R

Distributor: Searchlight Images

Date of Release: January 9, 2026

Why Is This Thing On? Remarkable in 2026

Is This Thing On in a time when high-concept movies rule? succeeds by being modest, intimate, and honest about their feelings.

It communicates directly to audiences going through midlife transitions, changing relationships, and realizing that happiness isn’t always what we thought it would be.

In conclusion

Is This Thing On ? is a film about love redefined rather than love lost. The film presents one of the most realistic depictions of contemporary marriage in recent cinema, supported by nuanced acting, careful directing, and emotional intelligence.

This movie is definitely worth seeing if you’re looking for a sophisticated, character-driven narrative that stays with you long after the credits have rolled.

FAQ: Is This Thing On? worthwhile to watch?

Indeed. Strong performances and an 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating make it one of the year’s most highly regarded comedy-dramas.

Is there more drama or comedy in the film?

With subtle humor seamlessly incorporated into character interactions, it leans more toward drama.

What is unique about Will Arnett’s role?

This movie represents a major turning point in his acting career by showcasing a rarely seen dramatic depth.

Is there a happy ending in the film?

Instead of being conventionally joyful, the conclusion is emotionally fulfilling—realistic, hopeful, and grounded.