The movie tells the story of Alex and Tess, a middle-aged couple who decide to end their marriage of twenty years. While Alex tries to cope with the divorce by starting a career in stand-up comedy, Tess works to find her own path as a sports coach. The film features a diverse group of friends that includes a prominent black female character and a married gay couple. Tess also explores modern themes about the personal sacrifices women make for their families.
Community feedback
Was our 46% Woke rating accurate?
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Is This Thing On?.
Woke representation / casting
The movie features a diverse group of friends, including a prominent black female character, Christine, played by Andra Day. It also includes a married gay couple, Stephen and Geoffrey, played by real-life married partners Sean Hayes and Scott Icenogle. Because the film features a confirmed LGBTQ+ couple, this category receives extra weight under our system. The film also casts several real-life diverse stand-up comedians in minor roles.
55%
Woke political dialogue
The film does not have preachy political speeches or activist lecturing. The dialogue stays focused on normal family conversations, divorce struggles, and stand-up comedy routines. Any talk about life choices and family dynamics feels like a natural part of the story rather than political messaging.
0%
Identity-driven story themes
The main plot is about middle-age divorce and self-discovery. However, it contains mild identity themes, such as Tess feeling that she sacrificed her career and personal goals to be a mother and wife. The inclusion of a married gay couple as part of the family circle adds a baseline of queer identity themes to the film's portrait of modern marriage.
40%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The movie looks at the difficulties of traditional marriage and shows one husband who is immature and self-centered. However, it does not attack Western family values or marriage as an institution. Instead, it shows a warm, respectful, and mature view of co-parenting and family bonds.
25%
Woke character or canon changes
Not present in this title.
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There are no notable public complaints, boycotts, or social media outcries from anti-woke groups accusing the film of pushing a progressive agenda. Most online talk is about the acting and the comedy.
0%
Creator track record context
The key creative staff have a mostly moderate history. Bradley Cooper has a score of 24 and Will Arnett has a score of 12. John Bishop has a score of 45 due to his public support for same-sex marriage, and casting director Shayna Markowitz has a score of 35. Overall, they represent a professional team with low political framing.
25%
Production
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