Bradley Cooper is back in the director’s chair with Is This Thing On?, and the first full trailer has just dropped via Searchlight Pictures. Following his directorial outings A Star Is Born and Maestro, Cooper explores the tenderly funny chaos of midlife, marriage, and reinvention. Premiering as the closing gala at the 2025 New York Film Festival, the film follows Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern) as their marriage quietly unravels, forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and the sometimes hilarious search for purpose. Inspired by the real-life story of British comedian John Bishop, the film blends dry comedy with moments of heartfelt introspection.
From the trailer, Cooper leans into a beautifully lived-in style, giving Arnett and Dern space to deliver deeply honest, nuanced performances. Alex’s late-life plunge into the New York comedy scene is both absurd and relatable, and Cooper’s naturalistic direction ensures the humor never feels forced. Supporting performances from Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, and Scott Icenogle add additional layers, giving the film a vibrant ensemble energy while keeping the focus firmly on the central duo’s emotional journey.
The film’s tone balances lacerating humor with tender moments, making it more than just a midlife crisis comedy. The story examines how love, family, and personal ambition intersect, and how reinvention is always possible—even after life’s major upheavals. Cooper, Arnett, and Mark Chappell co-wrote the screenplay, infusing it with a grounded, lived-in sensibility that allows the comedic beats to land naturally while keeping the emotional stakes high.
Is This Thing On? is set for a theatrical release on December 19, 2025, giving audiences a holiday-season blend of laughs and reflections. For fans of character-driven comedy, heartfelt performances, and Cooper’s knack for extracting raw, authentic emotion, this is one to watch. Judging from the trailer and festival buzz, it promises to be a funny, relatable, and surprisingly sweet story about starting over—no matter your age.
Check Out The Trailer:-