Surf movies are a generational staple. Over more than 60 years in Hollywood, in one way or another, people have hung out at the beach. Of course, for much of the time, it was teenagers. However, as time passed, there were fewer cheery musicals. The beach became a sign of nostalgia, but things grew decidedly less peppy with the passage of time. The Surfer hits theaters this week, giving those of us looking to indulge in the crazy something to salivate over. Does the Nicolas Cage character drama hang ten? Or does it eat the rat?
The Surfer
The Surfer follows a man (Nicolas Cage) who finds himself engaged in a battle of not only wits, but also endurance with a group of local surfers after he’s humiliated in front of his son. Finn Little, Julian McMahon, Rahel Roman, Nicholas Cassim and Michael Abercromby co-star in the movie. Lorcan Finnegan directs The Surfer from a script by Thomas Martin.
Friends, this might sound like a sedate, run-of-the-mill plot. Take it from me, though, it isn’t what you’re imagining. There is, of course, the “Nic Cage” of it all. This, it seems, is a part that could have only been played by Nicolas Cage … and everything that implies. It’s wacky, and if you’re ready for what is ultimately Cage’s stereotypical persona, you’re sure to have a “Cagey” good time with this one.
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A Love Letter to ’70s Exploitation Films
The Surfer is a small film, set solely in one location. In the wrong hands, this could be a real slow mover. Finnegan, however, never falls into the trap. The director instead crafts the film as a love letter to 1960s and 1970s exploitation films. It feels like a big, strange swing, but it was one this critic enjoyed.
Much of this is achieved primarily through the film’s style. Finnegan makes strong use of psychedelic visuals, especially throughout the middle of the second act. The camera work feels deeply reminiscent of trippy works like Head and The Magic Christian. This, of course, gels seamlessly with not only Cage’s portrayal but the character’s mental state as well.
At the same time, The Surfer‘s tone is also deeply indicative of the 1970s. Most will recognize how so many 1970s films are a little grimy. Everything is always a little dirty. The Surfer easily captures this vibe. Martin’s narrative always feels edgy. It’s dirty, hot and unpleasant. At multiple points, you can practically smell the scene through the frame.
This results in a tone that is borderline indecipherable. Truthfully, I’m not sure if I understood the ending, but I also couldn’t predict how this story ended if I tried. I found myself riveted the whole way through.
As the narrative builds to the final crescendo, the audience ends up deep inside our unnamed leading character’s (Cage) perspective. It becomes increasingly difficult to find the line between reality and delusion. It’s hard to tell who to trust, up to and including our lead. Is he really the good guy? Or is he losing his grip on reality? It’s tough to tell.
A Fascinating Surprise
When all is said and done, The Surfer ended up being a fascinating surprise and a delightfully unexpected gem. However, there’s one thing everyone needs to remember … Nicolas Cage. He’s a versatile legend who’s ultimately at his best when he can go a little crazy. Add a little psychedelic action into the mix? This is Nick Cage at his unhinged Cage-y best. Do with that what you will.
The Surfer opens in theaters around the country on May 2, 2025.
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