MOVIE | “Is This Thing On” | Indian Lake Theater | March 26-29, 2026

Thursday, March 26, 2026 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 29, 2026 4:00 PM

Indian Lake Theater 6311 New York 30 Indian Lake, NY, 12842 United States (map)

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“Is This Thing On” Lights Up Indian Lake Theater March 26–29

Will Arnett stars in "is this thing on" at Indian Lake Theater. — Will Arnett in 'Is This Thing On?' Photo credit: Jason McDonald:Searchlight Pictures

In a region where the Adirondacks often deliver their own quiet drama, the Indian Lake Theater offers something a little more scripted this week. From March 26–29, Is This Thing On? arrives in Indian Lake—a sharp, funny, and surprisingly tender film that turns midlife uncertainty into something worth laughing (and maybe wincing) about.

For those searching for movies playing in Indian Lake or films in the Adirondacks this week, this one earns a spot on the short list.

A heartfelt comedy about starting over.

Directed by Bradley Cooper, Is This Thing On? (2025) follows Alex and Tess Novak—played by Will Arnett and Laura Dern—as they navigate the aftermath of a long marriage that ends not with fireworks, but with quiet mutual understanding.

Alex, adrift and searching for purpose, stumbles into stand-up comedy in New York’s West Village. What begins as a nervous experiment turns into a confessional stage where heartbreak, awkward reinvention, and self-awareness collide. Meanwhile, Tess charts her own course, forcing both characters to reconsider who they are outside the framework of their relationship.

The result is less a traditional comedy and more a “feel-good divorce story”—equal parts tender, darkly funny, and refreshingly honest.

A cast and creative team worth watching.

Movie poster from Is This Thing On starring Will Arnett playing at Indian Lake Theater. — “Is This Thing On?” Movie Poster

The film pairs Arnett’s signature dry humor with Dern’s emotional precision, creating a dynamic that feels lived-in rather than performed. Cooper, who also appears onscreen as their irreverent friend “Balls,” co-wrote the screenplay alongside Arnett and British writer Mark Chappell, drawing loose inspiration from comedian John Bishop’s real-life pivot into stand-up.

Searchlight Pictures released the film following its premiere at the New York Film Festival, where it generated early buzz for its balance of humor and emotional depth.

Critics have largely praised the film’s tone and performances:

“A humane, sharply observed look at love after the credits roll,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter.
“Arnett delivers his most vulnerable performance to date, matched beautifully by Dern’s grounded warmth,” noted Variety.

At the same time, some reviewers point out that the pacing occasionally lingers:

“Its meandering middle mirrors real life, but tests patience,” observed The Guardian.

That tension—between polish and realism—is part of what makes the film linger after the lights come up.

Watch the trailer before you go.

This preview sets the tone for “Is This Thing On?”, blending quiet humor with emotional honesty. It offers a glimpse into Alex’s awkward first steps on stage—and the deeper story unfolding off it.

Will Arnett and Laura Dern navigate love, loss, and late-in-life reinvention in this heartfelt comedy-drama.

When and where to see it.

“Is This Thing On?” screens at the Indian Lake Theater from March 26–29, making it a timely pick for anyone looking for things to do in Indian Lake this weekend or planning a cultural stop in the central Adirondacks.

Showtimes may vary, so visitors should check the theater’s website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedule and ticket availability. The Indian Lake Theater remains one of the Adirondack region’s most charming venues. This intimate setting rewards films like this, where small emotional beats matter as much as big laughs.

Why this one belongs on your radar.

In a cinematic landscape often dominated by spectacle, Is This Thing On? offers something quieter—and arguably more relatable. It explores what happens after the “big story” ends, when life asks you to improvise without a script.

For Adirondack audiences, it’s a fitting match: a thoughtful, human-scale film best experienced in a place that understands the beauty of reflection.

Showtimes may vary, so moviegoers should check the Indian Lake Theater website or Facebook page for the latest schedule and ticket information before heading out.

And for anyone planning more cultural outings across the Adirondack region, subscribing to the ADK Taste newsletter is the easiest way to stay in the loop. Each week, it highlights the best events, films, food, and stories happening around the Adirondacks—a curated guide to making the most of life in the Park.