Is This Thing On? review

 

From Director Bradley Cooper comes a fascinating, unfiltered look at relationships and the trauma / love that comes with them. Co-written by Cooper and star Will Arnett Is This Thing On? is a moving and at times hilarious piece of cinema that we really need more of. The story follows the impending split and full blown seperation of Will Arnet's Alex and his wife of 25+ years Tess played by Laura Dern. Having 2 kid boys it's a pretty brutal seperation for everyone as the boys bounce from mom and dad throughout living in each space from time to time. Struggling to deal with it Alex begins to take up stand up comedy in a open mic night form and channels his emotions through it leading to some amazing friendships, experiences and even some healing along the way. 

Will Arnet is pretty much flawless throughout in a performance that I feel will go so unnoticed and become so underrated as time passes. His pain both physically and emotionally is plain to see and the way he uses comedy to get through his life problems is eye-opening and fascinating to watch unfold as his confidence grows with each open mic night performance. As for Laura Dern her performance is stoic and strong as she puts on a brave face but it's clear that both her and Alex are struggling with their relationship leading to somewhat of a reconnection but at what cost??

Is This Thing On? is really, really good. It's funny, emotional and full of brilliant one liner moments throughout. Bradley Cooper is here too and it is he who as an aspiring character actor steals the show with various quips and a sense of blindness to everything that is going on around him it's quality stuff. All in all this movie won't be for everyone as it is a bit slow paced at points but I loved it I really did. Bradley Cooper has created a living, breathing relationship experience that is just great cinema. 

★★★★