Overview

• The Surfer, directed by Lorcan Finnegan and written by Thomas Martin, explores a businessman’s return to his childhood beach and his clash with territorial locals.
• The film holds an 86% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes but has a significantly lower 47% audience score, showcasing a stark divide in reception.
• Nicolas Cage revealed he faced life-threatening challenges during surf training, including rip tides and shark warnings, while preparing for the role.
• Cage’s character, despite his obsession with surfing, is largely kept out of the water by local bullies, reflecting themes of isolation and exclusion.
• The Surfer blends psychological tension with surreal visuals, drawing comparisons to films like Midsommar, but audience reactions remain polarized.