Imagine standing on the red carpet, surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the New York Film Festival, only to realize that the most compelling stories aren’t just on screen—they’re in the lives of the people telling them. But here’s where it gets controversial: What if the journey to self-discovery is the real plot twist in every relationship? That’s the question Laura Dern and Will Arnett are asking in Bradley Cooper’s latest film, Is This Thing On?—a story that’s equal parts hilarious and heart-wrenching.
Laura Dern, fresh off her Oscar-winning role in Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, returned to the NYFF with a tale that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. In Marriage Story, Dern played Nora Fanshaw, a sharp-witted lawyer navigating the complexities of divorce. Fast forward to Is This Thing On?, and she’s stepping into the shoes of a woman whose marriage is unraveling—this time with a comedic twist. On the red carpet, Dern shared with The Hollywood Reporter what drew her to the project: ‘Bradley wanted to explore what it means to truly find yourself before you can engage in a meaningful relationship. It’s something so many of us figure out years into our lives or partnerships. That’s what I loved about this journey.’
In the film, Dern’s character is married to Will Arnett’s Alex, who turns to stand-up comedy at the Comedy Cellar to cope with their crumbling relationship. Arnett, who co-wrote the screenplay with Cooper, revealed how their real-life friendship deepened their on-screen chemistry. ‘Knowing Laura beforehand was a huge advantage,’ he said. ‘We spent a lot of time talking about the film before shooting, really diving into who these characters are and where they stand in their relationship.’
And this is the part most people miss: Cooper and Arnett’s collaboration goes beyond the script—they’ve been friends for over two decades. Arnett praised Cooper’s artistry, saying, ‘There’s no limit to what he can do. I don’t think I fully appreciated his talent until we worked on this together.’ Dern echoed the sentiment, highlighting Cooper’s leadership and vision during the film’s premiere at the 63rd annual NYFF.
But Dern’s busy schedule doesn’t stop there. She also reunited with Baumbach for Jay Kelly, sharing the screen with George Clooney and Adam Sandler. ‘To be here with Noah, Bradley, George, Adam, and Will—these are family now,’ she said. ‘Finding family in the work we love is an incredible gift.’
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: While Dern juggles these projects, fans are buzzing about Big Little Lies Season 3. With Francesca Sloane on board to write the first episode, the highly anticipated return of the HBO series is finally moving forward. Dern couldn’t contain her excitement about reuniting with co-stars Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, and Zoë Kravitz. ‘We’re besties,’ she gushed. ‘To spend time with your dearest friends, making something together, is incredible. I adore my character—she’s traumatizing and fantastic. It’s a gift.’
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think self-discovery is a prerequisite for a successful relationship, or is it something we figure out along the way? And how do you feel about the balance of humor and heartbreak in films like Is This Thing On? Let’s spark a conversation—agree or disagree, the comments are yours!
