Overview

• Directed by Lorcan Finnegan and written by Thomas Martin, 'The Surfer' stars Nicolas Cage as an unnamed protagonist who returns to his childhood surf spot in Australia to reclaim his late grandfather's home.
• The film, rated R by the MPA for language, suicide, violence, drug content, and sexual material, debuted in U.S. theaters on May 2, 2025.
• Critics have praised Cage's performance, noting his ability to balance emotional depth with his signature intensity, as well as the film's surrealist visual style and atmospheric direction.
• The narrative delves into themes of toxic masculinity and tribalism, as Cage's character clashes with a cult-like local surf gang led by Julian McMahon's Scally, who enforces a 'locals only' rule.
• Drawing inspiration from Australian New Wave cinema and Burt Lancaster's 'The Swimmer,' the film blends psychological unraveling with hallucinatory imagery, creating a cautionary tale of obsession and identity.