The Maine movie scene continues to offer up a true treasure trove of cinematic gems—if you know where to look. Well, that’s why I’m here, as we run down movie highlights new and old playing across the state’s fine movie theaters and assorted film venues. So come on—get out of the house, leave the phones at home, and enjoy some great movies on the big screen. 

Here are our picks for the best stuff playing from October 12th to the 25th. 

2025 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL INDIGENOUS FILM TOUR

Oct. 13, PMA Films, Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress St., portlandmuseum.org/films

This collection of seven short films from Indigenous filmmakers from the U.S. and around the world includes new, eye-opening works from directors Erica Tremblay, Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok”), Blackhorse Lowe, Sterlin Harjo (“Reservation Dogs”), Sky Hopinka, Caroline Monnet, Fox Maxy, and Shaandiin Tome. 

‘WITHNAIL AND I’

Wednesday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 18, Kinonik, 121 Cassidy Point Drive, Portland, kinonik.org

Portland’s purveyors of on-film movie greatness present us with a true treat this week — on glorious 16mm. 1987’s “Withnail and I,” loosely based on actor-turned-director Bruce Robinson’s time in down-and-out 1960’s Swinging London, follows two impoverished would-be actors (Paul McGann and the majestic Richard E. Grant) as they brave unemployment, various substances, whatever is growing in their sink, and—most eventfully—an ill-planned trip to a rich relative’s country cottage.

Alternately and simultaneously hilarious, disreputable, and oddly affecting, Robinson’s lived-in tribute to artistic scrounging is a singular tour de force. Laugh-out-loud funny without telling a single joke (I still repeat Grant’s imperious “I feel unusual” at opportune times), “Withnail and I” is like a secret password for true indie film fanatics. 

‘CHAIN REACTIONS’

Wednesday, Oct. 15, Space, 538 Congress St., Portland. space538.org

More than 50 years ago, Tobe Hooper’s visceral horror classic “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” ripped straight through the moviemaking and movie-watching world. In this new documentary, director Alexandre O. Philippe gathers together celebrity fans (including Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Karyn Kusama and Maine’s own master of horror Stephen King) to speak to just how influential (and scarring) Hooper’s grimy grindhouse masterpiece was to their development. Including new behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes, look for that old chainsaw feeling to creep up on you all over again. 

FESTIVAL CHAMPLAIN

Thursday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 19, Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress. St., Portland. afdume.org/festivalchamplain

It’s time for the fourth annual celebration of Maine’s French heritage, with the state’s only French-language film festival. Francophones, Francophiles, and English speakers alike (there are subtitles) can dive into Festival Champlain’s rich selection of films from all over the French-speaking world. Movies this year include “Mambar Pierette” about a Cameroonian village seamstress fighting to keep her business afloat, the Montréal-set “Coco Farm” about a city kid discovering new freedom and business ideas on a rural farm, the touching “Ama Gloria” about a lonely little French girl’s heartbreak upon learning her beloved nanny must return to Cape Verde, and the final film from French master Claude Lelouche (“A Man and a Woman”), “Finalement,” in which a lawyer who finds himself unable to lie sets off on a journey marked by music and fantasy. Maine’s strength is our diversity, and the films of Festival Champlain celebrate how the influx of French culture has only made our state greater. 

‘OUR HERO, BALTHAZAR’

Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19, New Hampshire Film Festival, various venues. nhfilmfestival.com

Just across the border in downtown Portsmouth comes the New England premiere of this beyond-timely, widely acclaimed first feature from Yarmouth native Oscar Boyson. Digging deep into the radicalizing, toxic world of internet influencers and incel culture, the movie’s about a rich teen from NYC whose forays into online content make him convinced that a follower in Texas is about to commit a mass shooting. Starring Jaeden Martell (“Knives Out”) and Asa Butterfield (“Hugo”), this intense comedy-drama from Greely High graduate Boyson examines just what is driving young American males to seek anonymous validation—and the places it can lead. 

‘THE LAST DRAGON’

Sunday, Oct. 19 and Monday, Oct. 20, Nickelodeon Cinemas, 1 Temple St., Portland. patriotcinemas.com/locations/nickelodeon-6

Look, some of these are just for me. It’s the 40th anniversary of this utterly dopey, decidedly awesome 1985 martial arts comedy/fantasy about a Black teenager (Taimak) whose idolization of the great Bruce Lee sees him obsessively imitating his hero while protecting a beautiful VJ (played by Vanity). Good thing, too, as a flamboyant martial arts bruiser calling himself “The Warlord of Harlem” (aka Sho’ Nuff, played by a stellar Julius Carry III) is looking to make some trouble. Featuring great action, an all-Motown soundtrack, and all the goofy fun in the world, this flick is pure 80s popcorn enjoyment. 

‘THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW’

Friday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 25, Eveningstar Cinema, 149 Maine St., Brunswick. eveningstarcinema.com

Halloween season is upon us, meaning it’s time to break out the fishnets and limber up for “The Time Warp” as the Eveningstar opens its doors for two 50th anniversary screenings of this all-time camp horror/sci-fi/musical cult classic. You know the story by now: Two square newlyweds (Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick) break down outside the mansion of one Dr. Frank-N-Furter (the glorious Tim Curry), the creaking doors swinging open to a pansexual, all-musical, gender-exploding cavalcade of lavish production numbers, bed-hopping, partner-swapping, monster creation, alien invasion, and other assorted debaucheries. A groundbreaking underground hit whose cult has only grown over its half century, screenings come complete with cosplay, boisterous audience participation, and props. (The Eveningstar’s listing encourages viewers to “ Bring your sense of humor. And some toast.” Real fans know what the toast’s for.)

Dennis Perkins is a freelance writer who lives in Auburn with his wife and his cat.