Nicolas Cage Stars in Psychedelic Thriller 'The Surfer,' Tackling Toxic Masculinity and Madness

Set on an Australian beach, the film explores themes of identity, male frailty, and localism through a surreal descent into chaos.

Directed by Lorcan Finnegan, 'The Surfer' premiered at SXSW 2025 and is set for a theatrical release on May 2.
Nicolas Cage plays a father who faces escalating psychological and physical torment after returning to his childhood surf spot with his son.
The film blends dark comedy, psychedelic visuals, and a critique of toxic masculinity through its depiction of a local surfer gang led by Julian McMahon's character, Scally.
Cage's performance evolves from restrained to feral, embodying a man unraveling under the weight of external pressures and internal struggles.
Critics have praised the film's unique aesthetic, thematic depth, and Cage's committed performance, though some found the ending overly prolonged.