Bradley Cooper, back behind the camera, directs Is This Thing On?, a comedy-drama film starring Will Arnett as Alex Novak and Laura Dern as Tess – a couple navigating the uncertain terrain of their midlife separation. As Alex turns to stand-up comedy to rediscover purpose, Tess reassesses what she sacrificed for family.
Also starring in the movie are Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Scott Icenogle, and Cooper himself.
The film will make its world premiere as the Closing Night feature at the 63rd New York Film Festival (NYFF) , then open in U.S. theaters on December 19, 2025, courtesy of Searchlight Pictures.
Here is the official synopsis: As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family—forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.
Cooper made his directorial debut with A Star Is Born, which earned eight Oscar nominations, and followed that up with the NYFF61 Spotlight Gala film Maestro, which received seven Oscar nominations.
Watch the first teaser trailer for Is This Thing On? above.
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