An intimate look inside a failing marriage, Is This Thing On? feels like you're spying on a friend's relationship drama. It's so genuine that you almost want to block your ears and look away - almost...

 

And I mean that in the very best way. Bradley Cooper directs (and comedically features) this authentic take on what happens when a relationship just feels, meh? No blow up, just that shift that no one can explain. Well until Will Arnett and Laura Dern take the reins in this understated and insightful tale of love, loss and identity.

 

If a romcom is allowed to be about divorce, I suppose this is it! With dark humour aplenty, Arnett's Alex takes his separation and turns to stand up comedy. A brutal trial by fire as he digests his own failings among much-younger comedians.

 

With kids, a house, careers and shared friends, Alex and Tess are together and apart as they figure out what they are about alone. Both funny and heart-wrenching, I think the audience will see something of themselves (or their dating history?) in the lines of this movie.

 

Featuring memorable minor characters played by Bradley Cooper, Andra Day and Sean Hayes, Is This Thing On? is quiet, unassuming and impactful. A disintegrating marriage really isn't funny at all, but Is This Thing On? will bring the laughs nevertheless.