“American Fiction” - ( R; 1 hour, 57 minutes) - Witness the captivating tale of Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an English professor and frustrated novelist, whose writing career hits a roadblock due to not being deemed “Black enough.” Directed by Cord Jefferson in his hilarious debut, the film delves into Monk’s journey as he takes a satirical approach, crafting a novel under a pseudonym to expose the publishing world’s hypocrisies. Portrayed by the talented (Best Actor Oscar nominee) Jeffrey Wright, Monk’s audacious creation becomes an instant hit, thrusting him deeper into the complexities of his assumed identity. As success beckons, Monk finds himself challenging his closely-held worldviews, confronting the very culture that thrives on reducing people to outrageous stereotypes. In a quest to prove his point, Monk’s pen name leads him to write an outlandish “Black” book, propelling him to the heart of hypocrisy and the very madness he claims to disdain. “American Fiction” unfolds a narrative that intertwines humor, social commentary, and the unraveling of one man’s convictions in a world obsessed with reducing people to mere caricatures. Final shows: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m. (OCAP), Thursday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m.

“Wright, so often a strong supporting player... is magnetic in the lead role: commanding, flawed, vulnerable, relatable. American Fiction is his movie, and will likely (and deservedly) land him his first Oscar nomination.” – Adam Graham, Detroit News

“Origin” - (PG13; 2 hours, 15 minutes) - "Origin," the 2023 American biographical drama film, directed and written by Ava DuVernay, brings Isabel Wilkerson's groundbreaking exploration of racism in the United States to life, as depicted in her book "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents." Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor takes on the role of Wilkerson, leading a star-studded cast including Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nick Offerman, and Blair Underwood. The narrative unfolds as Isabel, confronted with profound personal tragedy, embarks on a global journey of investigation and discovery. Amidst the vast scale of her project, Wilkerson discovers moments of beauty and bravery. The film captures her relentless pursuit in crafting what would become one of the defining American books of our time. "Origin" weaves together a compelling narrative that not only explores the depths of racism but also pays tribute to the resilience, courage, and enduring spirit that Wilkerson unearths throughout her transformative journey. Opening Friday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. (OCAP), Thursday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m.

“How do you make a movie about an intellectual argument? By putting a human face on it, which is what Ava DuVernay and acting force Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor do in this stunning provocation about race and class. Here's something rare: a movie that matters.” – Peter Travers, ABC News

Harbor Theater, 185 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor is open for 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesday and Sunday; shows Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for members and children under 18. ADA-mandated Audio Descriptive (AD) and Closed Caption (CC) devices are available for the visually and hearing-impaired. Inquire at the concession stand.