Is This Thing On?
Is This Thing On? (2025) is a comedy-drama directed by Bradley Cooper, starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern. The film centers on Alex and Tess, a couple navigating the complexities of divorce and self-discovery. Alex finds an outlet in stand-up comedy, using his personal life and marital struggles as material, while Tess re-evaluates her sacrifices and future. The narrative delves into themes of midlife crisis, identity, co-parenting, and the potential for rekindling a relationship. Aimed at mature adult audiences, the movie features a significant amount of R-rated content, including pervasive strong language, explicit sexual references, and substance use, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Concerns
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe movie includes frequent and explicit romantic and sexual content, featuring passionate kissing, implied sexual encounters, graphic discussions of sex, and themes of infidelity and casual sexual relationships.
Alex and Tess are shown kissing passionately and winding up in bed together, with Alex shirtless and Tess in a nightie, implying sexual activity. Furthermore, Alex has sex with another woman, a scene implied by his shirtless appearance exiting her apartment, and he later jokes about this encounter during a stand-up routine. Tess also expresses her desire for casual sex 'in graphic, obscene terms' to her best friend after her separation.
Profanity
HighThe film features pervasive profanity, including frequent use of strong expletives, sexual expletives, and misuse of religious names, making it a significant concern for parents.
The review explicitly notes approximately '85 f-words and another dozen s-words,' along with terms like 'a—,' 'b–ch,' and 'h—.' Additionally, God's name is misused five times, and Jesus' name is abused 10 times, contributing to the high frequency and intensity of offensive language.
Substance Use
HighThe film prominently features various forms of substance use, including marijuana consumption, frequent alcohol drinking, and smoking, often depicted in a casual or recreational context.
Tess and Alex share a marijuana-laced cookie in a subway, and Alex is later depicted staggering down the street, 'buzzing from that marijuana-laced cookie' and needing 'another drink.' Multiple characters are also shown drinking wine frequently with friends, and some are seen smoking, with indications of self-rolled cigars or marijuana joints.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film features explicit representation of LGBTQ characters within the main characters' social circle, indicating a normalisation of same-sex relationships as part of the narrative's contemporary setting.
Alex and Tess are part of a friend group that includes a married gay couple, who are depicted as established individuals within their social sphere. Additionally, a character referred to as 'Gay Friend Stuart' is mentioned in some related discussions, further indicating LGBTQ presence within the supporting cast.
Violence
MediumThe film contains thematic violence in the form of emotional distress and implied suicidal ideation, rather than physical altercations or gore. The intense emotional journey of the protagonist can be disturbing.
At one point, Alex expresses significant despair, stating that society offers two choices: 'Either you take part in soul-sucking relationships or you die,' indicating suicidal ideation. While not physical, Alex's father describes his stand-up routine, which delves into raw marital issues, as 'a bit dangerous,' referring to its potentially harmful emotional impact rather than physical threat.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains intense emotional and psychological content, primarily revolving around the painful realities of divorce, midlife crisis, and implied mental health struggles, which could be disturbing for some viewers.
Alex openly expresses suicidal ideation, stating a choice between 'soul-sucking relationships or you die,' reflecting significant emotional turmoil. The film also extensively explores the 'pain and loss' associated with divorce and the 'emotional wreckage' Alex experiences, which creates a continuously tense and melancholic atmosphere.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe movie portrays instances of disrespect within family relationships, particularly through the protagonist's actions of revealing intimate family details publicly and marital discord characterized by accusatory and sarcastic dialogue.
Alex uses his stand-up comedy to air intimate details about his marriage and ex-wife, leading to his children discovering his jokes about their family and reacting with upset. Dialogue from the trailer also shows Alex and Tess engaging in sharp, accusatory exchanges regarding their divorce, with lines like 'you cheated. no you didn't cheat and you getting a divorce oh it's some white guy shit' and 'you left me. alone. i left you alone you checked out.'
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe film includes instances of blasphemy through the misuse of sacred names, which can be perceived as disrespectful to Christian beliefs.
Reviews explicitly state that 'God's name is misused five times, and Jesus' name is abused 10 times.' This repeated casual use of sacred names in a derogatory or flippant manner directly contradicts Christian reverence for God and Jesus.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowNo explicit or significant themes of witchcraft or the occult are present in the film. Any mentions are minimal and lack magical or supernatural context.
The movie does not contain any references to spellcasting, rituals, demons, or supernatural powers. There are no elements that align with traditional definitions of witchcraft or occult practices.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Adults Only (18+): The film is rated R by the MPAA for language throughout, sexual references, and some drug use. Reviews highlight pervasive profanity, graphic sexual dialogue, depiction of casual sex, and marijuana use, which are inappropriate for viewers under 18 years old.
Additional Notes
The film's focus on mature adult themes such as divorce, midlife crisis, and self-discovery is handled with a blend of humor and drama. Parents should be aware that while there are themes of reconciliation and healing, the path to these often involves problematic behaviors and language. The narrative structure, which uses stand-up comedy as a form of therapy, exposes very personal and often raw details of the characters' lives.
Related Reviews
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