I was really looking forward to this. A depressed stand up comedian is a nice premise, usually a solid mix. It feels grounded in realism from start to finish. I attended a Q&A screening, where I learned the film is partly based on the true story of a British comedian. That point was mentioned almost defensively like, "if you think this isn't realistic, you're wrong because it actually happened!" But honestly, the story never felt fabricated at all. It already felt authentic and didn't need to be defended. The start of Alex's comedy career reminded me of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel". Bradley Cooper also shared that Arnett spent time performing real stand-up sets at the Comedy Cellar to prepare and the stand-up scenes were filmed in front of real, non-actor audiences which keeps the raw, uncomfortable energy. As someone who watches a lot of stand up, I loved how many real comedians were cast. Instead of just one or two, the film is packed with actual New York stand-up regulars like Chloe Radcliffe, Jordan Jensen, and Reggie Conquest. I even recognized bits from some of their real routines, which added so much to the authenticity. On the dramatic side, the cast is excellent. And despite the premise, this isn't really a movie about stand-up comedy. Alex actually works in finance; so this is a story about divorce, identity, and self-discovery through art, with stand-up as the vehicle rather than the destination. It didn't feel like watching a movie, felt like observing people's lives. The film offers an intimate look at a marriage unraveling without slipping into melodrama. It's a warm, introspective dramedy. I didn't laugh much though; instead, I found myself invested in the characters. Ironically the funniest moment wasn't a joke onstage, it was the dog wandering out scene. One potential point of debate is whether the stand up routines themselves are funny. Early on, the awkward, unfunny sets felt very true to what beginner comics actually sound like. While it might've been nice to see a truly killer set by the end, it also makes sense that we don't, Alex is still early in his journey. He's not a polished comic yet. Unlike comedy films that fast track success or center around seasoned comics, this one focuses on the drudgery. It portrays stand up as therapy, and where bombing is part of the process. That realism really worked for me. The film also feels deeply New York. It feels nice to recognize the spaces and the overall vibe. It avoids a glossy, romanticized version of the city and instead opts for something scrappier and more lived-in. Large portions were shot at the Comedy Cellar and the Olive Tree cafe just there. Will Arnett gives a vulnerable, grounded performance as Alex, and the chemistry between him and Laura Dern is the emotional backbone of the film. Their dynamic feels painfully real, sad and authentic. Every character feels carefully crafted and fully lived in, which makes some scenes tough to watch because felt real. I really loved this movie. It made me appreciate Bradley Cooper as a director more, I'm mostly indifferent to him. Made me more inclined to revisit his stuff as a director.

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