Overview

• Nicolas Cage stars as the unnamed protagonist in 'The Surfer,' which opened in U.S. theaters on May 1, 2025.
• The film, directed by Lorcan Finnegan and written by Thomas Martin, follows a man’s return to his childhood beach in Australia to reclaim his grandfather’s house, facing a hostile surf gang led by Julian McMahon’s character, Scally.
• Critics have lauded Cage’s intense, gonzo performance as a highlight, showcasing his trademark unpredictability and depth.
• The screenplay has been criticized as overthought and underwritten, with some reviewers finding its exploration of themes like toxic masculinity and the sunk cost fallacy uneven.
• Shot on location in Western Australia, the film employs surreal visuals and psychodrama to depict the protagonist’s descent into obsession and delusion.