Will “Is This Thing On?” be the best movie of ’25?
Get ready, cinephiles, because 2025 is serving up a potential game-changer with Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial venture, Is This Thing On? Starring the razor-sharp Will Arnett and the ever-iconic Laura Dern, this dramedy dives into the messy terrain of midlife divorce and stand-up comedy as a coping mechanism. With its world premiere at the New York Film Festival and a theatrical release set for December 19, could Is This Thing On? steal the crown as the year’s best flick?
A comedic redemption arc
Diving deeper into Is This Thing On?, the film promises a raw yet hilarious look at Alex, played by Will Arnett, as he stumbles through divorce and rediscovers himself on New York’s comedy stages. Meanwhile, Laura Dern’s Tess grapples with her own sacrifices, adding emotional heft.
The buzz around Is This Thing On! is electric, with early teasers showing Arnett’s knack for dry wit and Dern’s powerhouse depth. Inspired by British comedian John Bishop’s life, as noted by The Film Stage, Cooper’s direction could blend humor and heartbreak into awards-season gold.
Set for a December 19 release, Is This Thing On? lands right in the Oscar sweet spot. With a stellar ensemble including Andra Day and Amy Sedaris, plus Cooper’s proven track record post-A Star Is Born, this might just be 2025’s cinematic mic drop.
Can it top the charts?
With Is This Thing On? poised for a December release, the timing couldn’t be better to dominate the awards chatter. Bradley Cooper’s knack for emotional storytelling, paired with a killer cast, has fans buzzing on platforms like X about a potential 2025 standout. Could it reign supreme?
Early glimpses of Is This Thing On! reveal Will Arnett’s Alex as a broken soul finding solace in stand-up, while Laura Dern’s Tess offers a poignant counterpoint. As Variety reports, the New York Film Festival premiere has already sparked hype for a raw, relatable narrative.
But will Is This Thing On? truly be the best of 25? With heavy hitters like Thunderbolts and Tron: Ares also dropping, per Deadline, Cooper’s dramedy faces stiff competition. Still, its unique blend of humor and heart might just mic-check its way to the top.
What’s the early verdict?
As anticipation builds for Is This Thing On?, initial reactions from teaser trailers are rolling in hot. Posts on X highlight Will Arnett’s biting comedy and Laura Dern’s emotional gravitas, with fans already dubbing it a potential awards darling ahead of its December 19 debut.
Critics haven’t fully weighed in yet, but the buzz around Is This Thing On? suggests Bradley Cooper might have another hit. The Film Stage notes its real-life inspiration from comedian John Bishop, hinting at authenticity that could resonate deeply with audiences seeking relatable stories.
While it’s too early to crown Is This Thing On? the best of 25, its strategic release and festival premiere at NYFF, as per Variety, position it as a serious contender. Will it outshine the blockbuster pack? We’re on the edge of our seats.
Digging into the details
As we dive deeper into Is This Thing On?, the film’s premise of navigating divorce through stand-up comedy feels like a fresh spin on midlife crises. Bradley Cooper, directing and co-starring, crafts a narrative that balances laughs with raw emotion, drawing from real-life grit.
The teaser trailer for Is This Thing On? showcases Will Arnett’s Alex delivering biting one-liners on stage, while Laura Dern’s Tess reveals layers of regret and resilience. With a supporting cast like Ciarán Hinds and Sean Hayes, as noted by Dark Horizons, the depth is undeniable.
Will Is This Thing On? claim the top spot of 2025? Its December 19 release, right in awards season, gives it a fighting chance. Against a backdrop of sequels and superhero flicks, this dramedy’s intimate focus might just steal the spotlight.
Final mic drop
So, will Is This Thing On? be the best movie of 2025? With its killer cast, Bradley Cooper’s deft direction, and a story that punches with both humor and heart, it’s a top contender. As December 19 nears, we’re betting this dramedy could take the crown.


A comedic redemption arc
Can it top the charts?
What’s the early verdict?
Digging into the details