Nicolas Cage’s Big Hit: Exactly the Right Tone

Nicolas cage’s “The Surfer” Rides a Wave of Absurdity, Divides Critics

Published: April 29, 2025

Lorcan Finnegan, the director behind the unsettling psychological thriller Vivarium, is back with The Surfer, a new film starring Nicolas Cage. Set against a stark Australian coastal backdrop, the film blurs the lines between reality and hallucination. Slated for release next month, the film is already generating buzz. But is it riding high or wiping out?

A Descent into Madness: The Plot of “The Surfer”

The Surfer, currently boasting an 87% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, follows a man’s return to his Australian hometown. His homecoming quickly turns sour as he is confronted by a territorial group of local surfers. A seemingly simple dispute over beach access escalates into a psychological and physical battle, causing the protagonist to lose his grip on reality.

Critics Weigh In: Cage’s performance and the Film’s Tone

Tara Brady of The Irish Times notes the film’s visual nods to the Australian cult classic Wake in Fright.She observes:

the misleading azure blue skies reinforce the bad trip.A threatening surf guru, played by Julian McMahon, summarizes it concisely: “For you can surf, you have to suffer.”
Tara Brady, The Irish Times

Brady ultimately deems Cage’s performance entertaining, labeling the film a “successful B-film.”

Tim Robey, writing for The Daily Telegraph,praises Cage’s commitment to the role of a disturbed outsider:

Cage again completely plunges into his character,without worrying about an Australian accent,which makes him typical cage.
Tim Robey,The Daily Telegraph

Robey suggests that Cage’s unconventional approach enhances the film’s overall absurd atmosphere.

Entertaining, But Flawed?

Kevin Maher of The Times finds The Surfer largely entertaining but points out structural issues:

It is usually fun, although director Lorcan Finnegan finally ends up the film in an incoherent dead end.
Kevin Maher,The Times

Maher suggests the film’s first half is stronger,with the narrative losing its way in the latter part.

Leslie Felperin of The Hollywood Reporter describes the film as both exuberant and self-parodying:

In the end the film feels too wild and self -conscious to be taken seriously, but he knows exactly the right tone for an entertaining Midnight Movie.
Leslie Felperin, the Hollywood Reporter

Felperin believes the film’s style is a deliberate choice that contributes positively to its overall atmosphere.

Did you know? Nicolas Cage is known for his unpredictable and intense acting style,often referred to as “nouveau shamanic.” This approach has earned him both critical acclaim and cult status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “The Surfer”

• What is “The surfer” about?

  The film revolves around a man who returns to his hometown in Australia and faces conflict with local surfers, leading to a psychological breakdown.

• Who directed “The Surfer”?

  Lorcan Finnegan, known for his work on the psychological thriller “Vivarium,” directed the film.

• What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for “The Surfer”?

  As of now,”The Surfer” has an 87% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes.

• When will “The Surfer” be released?

  The article indicates that the film will be released next month, no specific release date is provided in the original article.

• Where is the movie set?

  The movie is set along a desolate Australian coastal landscape.

© 2025 Archyde News. All rights reserved.

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Riding the Wave of Absurdity: An Interview with Film Critic Anya Sharma on Nicolas Cage’s “The Surfer”

Introduction

Welcome, Archyde News readers! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Anya sharma, a seasoned film critic known for her insightful analyses and sharp wit. Anya, thanks for joining us to discuss the buzz surrounding Lorcan Finnegan’s new film, The Surfer, starring the one and only Nicolas Cage.

Dissecting the Surf: Initial Reactions

Archyde News: Anya,the early reviews for The Surfer are mixed but intriguing. What were your initial impressions after seeing it?

Anya Sharma: Thanks for having me! My immediate takeaway was how effectively Finnegan uses the stark Australian coastal setting to create this sense of unease. The visuals are striking, and yes, Cage really leans into the absurdity. It’s quintessential Cage, which will undoubtedly polarize audiences.

Archyde News: The film has an 87% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. Does that align with your feeling about the movie?

anya Sharma: The score seems fair, it’s high, but not stellar, and the movie is a B-film. It’s not high art,but it is undeniably entertaining. It’s a wild ride, and if you’re a fan of Cage’s more… unconventional performances, you’ll find a lot to enjoy.

Cage’s “Nouveau Shamanic” Performance

Archyde news: Tim Robey of The Daily Telegraph praises Cage’s commitment. What did you think of Cage’s performance in The Surfer?

Anya Sharma: cage’s performance is what makes this film. It’s unhinged, and wonderfully so. he clearly doesn’t hold back. His intensity is on full display, and it entirely drives the film’s descent into a surreal, almost hallucinatory state. It’s fascinating watching him navigate the character’s unraveling. “Nouveau shamanic” is a perfect label for his performances and this is no exception.

Thematic Undercurrents and Narrative Concerns

Archyde News: Kevin Maher of The Times points out that the film’s narrative loses its way later on,. Do you agree with that analysis?

Anya Sharma: I do. I think the film’s thematic ideas about territoriality and the loss of control are strong initially. But as it progresses, it does become a bit muddled. The ending feels less impactful because of it.

Final Verdict: Wave or Wipeout?

Archyde News: So,Anya,is The Surfer a film audiences shoudl seek out or one to skip?

Anya Sharma: It depends. If you appreciate Cage’s unique style and are open to a film that embraces the bizarre and the slightly flawed, definitely seek it out. It’s a memorable experience, and it definitely sticks with you. If you’re expecting a tightly constructed narrative, you might be disappointed.But for everyone else, it is a fun movie while it last.

Archyde News: That’s helpful, Anya. Thank you for your insight.

Anya Sharma: My pleasure!

Reader Interaction

Archyde News: What are your thoughts on The Surfer? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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