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IMDb 6.8 17+ HD

Is This Thing On?

2025 2 h 1 min Drama · Comedy

A crumbling marriage sends a middle-aged man into New York's stand-up scene while his ex-wife returns to coaching volleyball.

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Where to watch online

Official services. The link goes straight to this film.

United States 7 services With a subscription 1 service Rental from $3.99 Purchase from $4.99
Hulu With a subscription 4K — —
Amazon Video — $3.99 4K $4.99 4K
Fandango At Home — $3.99 4K $19.98 4K
Apple TV Store — $5.99 4K $19.98 4K
Google Play Movies — Rental Purchase
YouTube — Rental Purchase
Fandango — — $19.98 HD

Availability data by JustWatch

About the film

What it’s about

Alex and Tess decide to divorce but aim to remain amicable for their two sons. Alex, facing middle age and uncertainty, discovers an unexpected outlet in comedy clubs. Tess, once an athlete, steps back into volleyball as a coach.

What hooks you

Will Arnett plays Alex, with Laura Dern as Tess. The film draws on the life of comedian John Bishop, whom Arnett met by chance in Amsterdam. Bradley Cooper directs, co-writes, and appears as Balls; he also operated the camera for scenes without his character.

Who it’s for

It will appeal to those who enjoy character-driven stories about starting over after divorce, with a blend of bittersweet drama and dry humour.

Technical details
Country
United States
Year
2025
Genres
Drama, Comedy
Running time
2h 1min
Age rating
17+
MPAA
R
World premiere
Oct 10, 2025

Ratings

MOVIE․ONE · 120 votes
6.5 /10
IMDb
6.89,200
Kinopoisk
6.41,022
Your rating —
— /10
1 · Didn't land 10 · Masterpiece

Creative team

All 13
Director Bradley Cooper
Starring
  1. 01 Will Arnett Alex Novak
  2. 02 Laura Dern Tess Novak
  3. 03 Ciarán Hinds Jan
  4. 04 Andra Day Christine
  5. 05 Bradley Cooper Balls
  6. 06 Christine Ebersole Marilyn
  7. 07 Laila Boccella School kid
  8. 08 Blake Kane Felix
  9. 09 Calvin Knegten Actor
  10. 10 Amy Sedaris Kemp
  11. 11 Scott Icenogle Actor
  12. 12 Sean Hayes Stephen
  13. 13 Jonathan Burke Actor

Trivia

  1. The film's plot was inspired by the life story of comedian John Bishop. Will Arnett met him by chance in Amsterdam, heard the story of his rise in stand-up comedy, and wanted to make a film about it. He played the lead role in the film and also became one of the screenwriters and producers.
  2. Bradley Cooper operated the camera himself in cases where scenes with his character were not being filmed.

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