This review is based on a screening at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Nicolas Cage is renowned for immersing himself fully into his characters, and his portrayal in Lorcan Finnegan’s The Surfer exemplifies this talent. The film, which can be classified as a quintessential midnight movie, showcases Cage at his most unrestrained, allowing him to showcase his ability to completely lose himself in a role. Through his performance, the audience is treated to a captivating yet harrowing exploration of how traits such as brutality, pride, and confidence can jeopardize everything we hold dear.

Despite its title, The Surfer focuses less on the actual act of surfing and more on themes such as toxic masculinity, male anxiety, power dynamics, and social hierarchy. This shift in focus elevates the film beyond a mere surface-level narrative, as Cage’s character grapples with the aggressive gang of locals who lay claim to the picturesque Australian beach he once frequented. As tensions escalate during a scorching Christmas holiday, Cage’s character, accompanied by his son on a quest to reclaim his family home, descends into madness. The film culminates in a gut-wrenching conclusion that prompts viewers to reflect on how we treat those who have lost everything after living a life of stability. Through these dire circumstances, The Surfer compels its protagonist to empathize and connect with others.

The Visual Aesthetic

The film’s brutal world is enhanced by a stylized visual palette dominated by shades of greens and yellows, colors that distance The Surfer from reality and evoke the feeling of a modern-day fable or parable. At times, the atmosphere around Cage appears to shudder and distort, adding to the surreal nature of his predicament. Intense scenes are juxtaposed with shots of the local wildlife, a strategic and unsettling choice that amplifies the sense of foreboding as Cage’s character spirals deeper into turmoil.

Twists and Turns

The Surfer delivers several unexpected twists that pack a significant emotional punch. These plot developments contribute to the disorienting sensation that immerses the audience in Cage’s character’s turmoil on the beach. This success can be attributed to Thomas Martin’s thought-provoking script and Finnegan’s skillful direction, which combine to make viewers feel as though they are experiencing Cage’s journey firsthand. Martin’s dialogue delves into the consequences of losing stability, while Finnegan captures Cage’s emotional turmoil through intimate close-up shots of his eyes.

While the journey depicted in The Surfer is harsh, the film’s ultimate message is one of hope. A central theme of the movie is the belief that despite our differences, we all deserve the opportunity to pursue our aspirations as long as we do not harm others. The toxic masculinity embodied by the characters in the film challenges this ideal, questioning it through the gang’s assertion that “You can’t surf if you don’t suffer.” Despite the hardships endured, Cage’s character realizes that he is entitled to peace more than he initially believed upon arriving at the beach. The film underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and advocates for the right of every individual to coexist peacefully. Through its powerful conclusion, The Surfer asserts that everyone deserves a chance to live their truth.