When one sits down to watch a Nicolas Cage, movie there is a certain expectation and mood that is set. You know you’re in for a ride of potentially ridiculous proportions that is simply insane or you’re getting a performance of a lifetime; there is, on occasion, something teetering between, but, it usually sits somewhere on those ends of the spectrum. From Moonstruck (1987) to Mom and Dad (2017), Nicolas Cage has done everything and anything under the sun and continues to delight and disturb audiences. With that being said, if you saw Lorcan Finnegan’s second feature, Vivarium (2020), then it should have you prepared for something similar in vibe and tone but with Cage’s brilliant chaotic energy in his latest, written by Thomas Martin, The Surfer. So prepare to hang ten, catch some waves, and enjoy the Lynchian trip that is The Surfer.
Finn Little as The Kid in THE SURFER. Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate.
Without giving away too much about the movie, The Surfer focuses on a man, simply named The Surfer (Nicolas Cage), as he returns to his home town of coastal Australia with his son, named The Kid (Finn Little), wanting to catch some waves and enjoy a surf on the beach near his old childhood home. However, the locals lead by Scally (Julian McMahon) don’t want anyone who’s not a local to surf on their beach. What’s first meant as a warning turns into an uncomfortable encounter, making The Kid abandon his father and retreat to his mother’s residence while The Surfer refuses to let go of the embarrassment and wants to do everything he can to ride the waves. He’s not entirely alone, though, as there is a rougher looking man, simply named The Bum (Nic Cassim), who’s also hanging around the beach who also doesn’t entirely get along with the locals.
Julian McMahon as Scally in THE SURFER. Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate.
While The Surfer is trying to close a deal on the house he grew up in which is located a short distance from and can be seen in the distance of the beach, he’s now also dealing with his son being utterly embarrassed by him and the locals giving him more than just a hard time. Some revelations about his childhood, father, and life are made, and things slowly fall apart from what can be factual and what feels like a fever dream in what ends up being a trip from start to finish.
The way the movie is shot, lit, and presented takes this psychological thriller to new heights and guides the audience to question anything and everything. Finnegan’s brilliant way of directing and his efforts in framing and blocking partnered with the sublime cinematography of Radek Ladczuk (The Nightingale; Babadook) create an atmosphere that continues to build upon the psychological torment and mind games that Martin’s script excels at creating, not allowing the audience to ever fully think they know what’s happening or what’s happening next, making theories about The Surfer both as a film and a character inevitably run rampant.
L-R Julian McMahon as Scally and Justin Rosniak as The Cop in THE SURFER. Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate.
Nicolas Cage, who has proven he can be anywhere from completely unhinged and manic to completely locked-in and top-tier, brings the best of both worlds to his portrayal of The Surfer. He is everything from determined to terrified to excited to prideful, bringing so much depth and richness to the character. Julian McMahon (Charmed; Fantastic Four) playing the cult-like local leader is creepy and disturbing, never allowing us to see an ounce of humanity or humility; he is simply a force to be reckoned with and someone who the audience does not want to cross. The Surfer is the character with whom we identify and sympathize. We practically see the entire movie through his perspective, making Scally that much more terrifying and the pain of the situation(s) The Surfer gets himself into that much more real, whether any extent of it is actually happening.
Nicolas Cage as The Surfer in THE SURFER. Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate.
The Surfer brings forth a great script from Thomas Martin with wonderful direction from Lorcan Finnegan brings forth a truly Lynchian experience that is a delightfully masterful trip of a film that will leave the audience asking questions long after the film ends. Cage, Little (Those Who Wish Me Dead), McMahon, and Cassim (The Moogai) excel in this mind-bending film trip that will engage audiences throughout the running time. This film will be debated and battled for years to come. Hopefully we never know the answers to any questions posed by The Surfer, allowing it to stay an enigma for the mystery and engagement as one of the most puzzling and entertaining movies of the year.
In theaters May 2nd, 2025.
For more information, head to the official Roadside Attractions The Surfer webpage.
Final Score: 4 out of 5.
Share this:
Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
Leave a Reply