The Surfer is a 2025 psychological thriller directed by Lorcan Finnegan, known for his work on Vivarium. The film stars Nicolas Cage as an unnamed man who returns to his childhood beach in Western Australia to surf with his son, only to encounter hostility from a group of locals. The film explores themes of identity, masculinity, and the psychological toll of isolation. With a runtime of 99 minutes, The Surfer offers a tense and surreal narrative that keeps viewers on edge.
The film had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2024, in the Midnight Screenings section. It was released theatrically in the United States on May 2, 2025, and in Ireland and the United Kingdom on May 9, 2025. In Australia, the film was released on May 15, 2025, and is scheduled to be available on the streaming service Stan on June 15, 2025. .
The Surfer Date and Streaming Platform
The Surfer premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2024. It was released in U.S. theaters on May 2, 2025, and in Ireland and the United Kingdom on May 9, 2025.
In Australia, the film was released on May 15, 2025, and is scheduled to be available on the streaming service Stan on June 15, 2025.
The Surfer Storyline – What’s the Plot?
In The Surfer, Nicolas Cage portrays a man who returns to his childhood beach in Western Australia to surf with his son. However, his plans are disrupted by a group of locals who enforce a strict “locals only” policy, leading to escalating tensions.
As the protagonist becomes more entangled in the locals’ hostility, he begins to question his identity and sanity, leading to a psychological unraveling. The film delves into themes of masculinity, belonging, and the impact of societal exclusion.
The Surfer Direction and Screenplay
Lorcan Finnegan’s direction in The Film is marked by a surreal and disorienting style that mirrors the protagonist’s psychological descent. The screenplay, written by Thomas Martin, combines elements of psychological horror with social commentary, creating a narrative that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build gradually as the protagonist’s situation becomes increasingly dire.
The Surfer Acting and Characters
Nicolas Cage delivers a compelling performance as the unnamed protagonist, capturing the character’s descent into madness with intensity and nuance. His portrayal adds depth to a character who is both sympathetic and flawed. Julian McMahon plays Scally, the leader of the local surfers, whose antagonistic behavior serves as a catalyst for the protagonist’s unraveling. The supporting cast, including Finn Little as the protagonist’s son, adds layers to the narrative, highlighting themes of family and generational conflict.
The Surfer Music, Background Score, and Visual Appeal
The film’s score, composed by François Tétaz, complements the narrative’s tension with a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack. The cinematography by Radek Ładczuk captures the stark beauty of the Australian coastline, contrasting the serene landscape with the escalating conflict.
The visual style employs a mix of naturalistic and surreal elements, enhancing the film’s psychological depth and immersing the audience in the protagonist’s troubled perspective.
Should You Watch The Surfer? – My Final Verdict
This Movie is a gripping psychological thriller that offers a fresh take on themes of masculinity, identity, and societal exclusion. Nicolas Cage’s performance anchors the film, providing a compelling portrayal of a man pushed to his limits. The film’s surreal direction and atmospheric visuals create an immersive experience that will resonate with viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives and psychological depth. While the film’s pacing may be slow for some, its tension and thematic exploration make it a worthwhile watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
The Surfer Details Table (Genre, Language, Platform, Duration)
| Genre | Language | Platform | Duration | Release Date | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychological Thriller | English | Theaters, Stan (Australia) | 99 minutes | May 2, 2025 | R |
The Surfer Movie Trailer
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The Surfer FAQs
What is The Surfer about?
The Movie follows a man who returns to his childhood beach in Western Australia to surf with his son, only to face hostility from local surfers, leading to a psychological unraveling.
Who stars in The Surfer?
The film stars Nicolas Cage as the unnamed protagonist, with Julian McMahon as Scally, and Finn Little as the protagonist’s son.
Where can I watch The Surfer?
The Surfer is currently playing in U.S. theaters and is scheduled to be released on the streaming service Stan in Australia on June 15, 2025.
Is The Surfer suitable for children?
No, the film is rated R for strong language, violence, and thematic elements.
Will The Surfer be available on DVD or Blu-ray?
As of now, there is no official announcement regarding the DVD or Blu-ray release of The Surfer.
