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Bradley Cooper’s ‘Is This Thing On?’ Opens to Strong Reviews in Limited Release

Critics cite Bradley Cooper’s close-up, hands-on direction for giving the relationship story unusual immediacy.

Overview

  • Searchlight opened the film in select theaters on Dec. 19, with a wider North American release planned for Jan. 9, 2026.
  • Early reviews highlight Will Arnett’s revelatory dramatic performance and his chemistry with Laura Dern as the film’s emotional core.
  • The character-driven dramedy centers on recently separated parents, with Alex exploring open‑mic stand-up as a way to process upheaval.
  • Cooper co-wrote and sometimes operated the camera, and Matthew Libatique’s tight, handheld cinematography and real comics in club scenes bolster authenticity.
  • The story draws on material developed with comedian John Bishop, with writing credits for Arnett, Mark Chappell and Cooper, and a supporting ensemble that includes Andra Day, Sean Hayes, Ciarán Hinds, Christine Ebersole and Cooper.