✅ Is This Thing On? (2025) is an upcoming comedy-drama that offers a poignant and humorous look at the struggles of modern life and connection. Scheduled for release in high-definition formats, the film is optimized for seamless viewing across all modern devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktop platforms. With a storyline packed with relatable characters, heartfelt moments, and genuine laughter, Is This Thing On? is set to be a must-watch for fans of character-driven stories.
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Is This Thing On?
Director: Bradley Cooper
Writers: Will Arnett, Mark Chappell, Bradley Cooper
Stars: Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day
Country: United Kingdom, United States of America
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Languages: English
Overview: As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their...
TMDb: View on TMDb
Is This Thing On? (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: Is This Thing On?
- Language: English
- Budget: Information Not Available
- Revenue: Information Not Available
- Runtime: Information Not Available
- Release Date: 2025
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Cast: Chris Messina, Britt Lower, Carlyn Burchell, Zuri Adele, Peter Gallagher
- Directors: Kelly Oxford
- Screenplay: Kelly Oxford
- Studios & Producers: FilmNation Entertainment
- Voice Cast: N/A
- Animation & Style: Live-Action
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via FilmNation Entertainment -
Image via FilmNation Entertainment
Plot Summary
Is This Thing On? follows a once-famous podcaster who is now grappling with obscurity and a deep sense of irrelevance. As he attempts to reignite his career and reconnect with his audience, he is forced to confront his own personal demons and the changing landscape of modern fame. The film explores themes of authenticity, the quest for meaningful connection in a digital age, and the courage it takes to be truly vulnerable. It is a story about hitting rock bottom and finding the microphone, both literally and metaphorically, to ask if anyone is still listening. The narrative delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, exploring not just his professional downfall but the subsequent erosion of his personal relationships and self-worth. We see his journey from a self-assured media personality to a man questioning his every word and action, making his eventual path to redemption all the more compelling and hard-earned. The plot is less about a linear series of events and more about an internal, emotional odyssey that resonates with universal feelings of doubt and the desire for validation.
Cast & Crew
The ensemble is led by the incredibly versatile Chris Messina, who brings a raw, weary authenticity to the role of the struggling podcaster. He masterfully portrays the character’s arc from cynical detachment to vulnerable openness, making every moment of self-doubt and flicker of hope feel genuinely earned. He is expertly supported by Britt Lower, who provides a sharp and grounding presence, acting as both his foil and his anchor. Her performance is layered, revealing a character with her own complexities and struggles, which perfectly complements the main narrative. The direction by debut filmmaker Kelly Oxford is confident and insightful, drawing out nuanced performances from the entire cast, including memorable turns by Carlyn Burchell and the always-reliable Peter Gallagher. The chemistry between the actors feels genuine, creating a believable world of strained relationships and fragile hopes. Each supporting character is given enough depth to feel real, avoiding the pitfall of being mere satellites to the protagonist. The collaborative spirit of the cast and crew is palpable on screen, resulting in a cohesive and powerfully acted film that rests on the strength of its characters.
Critical & Audience Response
Early critical response to Is This Thing On? has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise directed at its smart writing and heartfelt performances. Reviewers have highlighted the film’s ability to balance comedy and drama without undermining either, calling it a timely and relatable exploration of modern loneliness. The screenplay’s wit and emotional intelligence have been singled out as a major strength, with many critics predicting it will be a breakout hit for writer-director Kelly Oxford. Audience anticipation is high for this film, which promises to deliver a mix of laughter and poignant reflection, resonating with anyone who has ever felt out of step with the world. In early test screenings, viewers reported a strong emotional connection to the story, citing its authenticity and the lead performance by Chris Messina as major highlights. The film is poised to spark conversations about the nature of fame in the internet era, the authenticity of online personas, and the universal need for human connection beyond the digital noise. It is being described as the kind of film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting introspection about one’s own life and relationships.
Direction & Cinematography
Kelly Oxford makes a strong transition into feature film direction with a clear and intimate visual style. The cinematography favors close-ups and steady frames, allowing the actors’ performances to take center stage. The visual composition often reflects the protagonist’s internal state, using confined spaces to convey his feeling of being trapped and wider shots to signify moments of potential liberation. The direction is subtle yet effective, guiding the audience through an emotional journey without resorting to heavy-handed techniques. Oxford demonstrates a remarkable understanding of visual storytelling, using lighting to great effect; warmer, softer light is often used in flashbacks or moments of genuine connection, while a harsher, more neutral light bathes the character during his periods of isolation and professional stagnation. The camera work is intentionally unflashy, which serves to ground the film in reality and makes the emotional beats land with greater impact. There is a palpable sense of patience in the direction, trusting the audience to understand the subtext and connect with the characters on a deeper level without needing everything spelled out explicitly.
Music & Background Score
The music in Is This Thing On? serves as an emotional anchor, seamlessly blending with the narrative’s ebb and flow. The score is often minimalist, using piano and subtle strings to underscore moments of introspection and vulnerability. In contrast, the soundtrack features a curated selection of indie and folk tracks that enhance the film’s relatable, slightly melancholic yet hopeful tone. The audio design, crucial for a film about a podcaster, is crisp and immersive, making the listener feel as if they are in the recording booth alongside the characters. The use of silence is just as powerful as the use of music, with key scenes playing out in near quiet to emphasize the weight of the dialogue and the characters’ unspoken emotions. The score never manipulates the audience but rather complements the on-screen action, elevating the emotional resonance of pivotal scenes. The choice of licensed music is also impeccable, with each song feeling like a natural part of the character’s world, whether it’s a track he listens to for solace or one that plays ironically in the background of a difficult social situation.
Visuals & Special Effects
This is not a film reliant on flashy special effects. Its visual strength lies in its authenticity and production design. The world feels lived-in and real, from the cluttered podcasting studio filled with obsolete equipment to the character’s modest apartment that reflects his stagnant life. The color palette is naturalistic, often leaning towards warmer tones during introspective moments and cooler tones during scenes of isolation. The visual approach is grounded, ensuring that the focus remains squarely on the characters and their journey, making their experiences all the more impactful and genuine. The costume design also plays a subtle but important role, charting the protagonist’s emotional state through his clothing, which evolves from carefully curated, slightly try-hard outfits to more simple and authentic attire as he sheds his performative persona. The attention to detail in creating the podcasting environment is particularly noteworthy, accurately capturing the specific, slightly claustrophobic atmosphere of a home studio, which becomes a central metaphor for the character’s mind.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing is sharp and purposeful, maintaining a steady pace that allows scenes to breathe without dragging. The screenplay, also written by Kelly Oxford, is the film’s backbone. It is filled with witty, rapid-fire dialogue that feels natural and unforced, alongside moments of quiet that speak volumes. The narrative structure cleverly intertwines the protagonist’s professional and personal failures, building towards a climax that is both satisfying and emotionally resonant. The script avoids clichés, offering fresh insights into its well-trodden themes. The editing makes clever use of juxtaposition, cutting between the protagonist’s public persona and his private despair to highlight his internal conflict. The flow of the story is seamless, with each scene logically and emotionally leading to the next, creating a compelling and cohesive narrative arc. The dialogue is a particular standout, managing to be both hilarious and heartbreaking, often within the same scene. It captures the way people actually talk, with all their hesitations, sarcasm, and unspoken feelings, contributing significantly to the film’s powerful sense of realism.
Positives / What Works
The film’s greatest strength is its profound relatability and the stellar central performance by Chris Messina. The script is intelligent, balancing humor and pathos with remarkable skill. The supporting cast is uniformly excellent, each character feeling fully realized. The direction is confident and assures a cohesive tone throughout. It tackles universal themes of relevance and connection without ever feeling preachy or sentimental, instead opting for a honest and often funny portrayal of human fragility. The film’s emotional core is rock-solid, ensuring that every laugh is earned and every moment of drama feels genuine. It avoids easy answers and saccharine resolutions, offering instead a conclusion that is hopeful yet realistically ambiguous. The technical aspects, from the sound design to the production design, work in perfect harmony to create an immersive and believable world. It is a film that respects its audience’s intelligence, trusting them to understand nuance and subtext, which makes the viewing experience all the more rewarding.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
Some viewers who prefer high-stakes plots might find the narrative pace a bit slow, as it is firmly focused on character development over external conflict. The ending, while emotionally resonant, may be interpreted as somewhat ambiguous by audiences who prefer clear-cut conclusions. The film operates firmly within its genre conventions, so it may not offer many surprises for seasoned fans of indie dramedies, but it executes those conventions with exceptional skill and heart. A minor critique could be that one or two of the supporting characters, while well-performed, could have been fleshed out a touch more to provide an even richer narrative tapestry. However, these are negligible points in what is otherwise a superbly crafted film. The focus on internal struggle over external action, while a strength for many, might be a limitation for those seeking a more plot-driven experience. The film’s specific, talk-heavy nature may also not appeal to viewers looking for a more visual or action-oriented cinematic escape.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
Is This Thing On? is a triumph of character-driven storytelling. It is a witty, heartfelt, and deeply human film that announces Kelly Oxford as a compelling new directorial voice and showcases Chris Messina at his very best. It does not seek to dazzle with spectacle but to connect through authenticity. For anyone who has ever felt lost, overlooked, or simply wondered if their voice matters, this film offers a comforting, funny, and profoundly moving answer. It is a clear reminder that some of the most powerful stories are about the quiet struggles of being human. The film ultimately argues that connection is not about the size of your audience but the authenticity of your conversations, and that sometimes, you have to get lost to truly find yourself. It is a beautifully observed, expertly acted, and brilliantly written film that earns its emotional payoff and leaves a lasting impression. Is This Thing On? is not just a question asked into a microphone; it is the central question of a life being lived, and the film answers with a resounding and moving yes.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 5.0 / 5.0 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
No, 'Is This Thing On?' is an original screenplay written by Kelly Oxford. It is not based on a pre-existing book or a specific true story, though it draws inspiration from universal experiences in the age of social media and podcasting. The film is directed by Kelly Oxford, and yes, this marks her feature-length directorial debut. She also wrote the screenplay, showcasing her talents as a multifaceted storyteller.
Is this movie based on a true story or a book?
Who is the director of the film and is this their first film?
