The Surfer

It’s often said now that stars no longer sell movies, as franchises and intellectual property are more important than a glamorous lead. An odd exception though is Nicolas Cage who, while enjoying a career renaissance, has carved out a niche starring in quirky, sometimes comical B-movie thrillers that unleash his unique acting style. Lorcan Finnegan’s The Surfer is very much that, and those wanting to see the “Cage rage” turned up to 11 will not be disappointed.

The film opens with the unnamed protagonist, a financial professional going through a divorce, describing waves as “pure energy” as he takes his son to Luna Bay, an idyllic Australian surfing haunt near his childhood home. (The fact Cage doesn’t attempt an accent is explained by a youthful move away.) All he wants to do is ride the waves with his son and close a deal on his boyhood home so he can live there again, but is told by the local surf gang – the Bay Boys – “don’t live here, don’t surf here”.

Although initially warded off and leaving with his son, Cage refuses to be beaten that easily. After a series of mishaps and tricks by the locals, he finds himself bedraggled, ranting, without his phone or Lexus, and covered in coffee, bird poo and drinking from puddles. All the while he is tormented by the cult leaderish head of the surf gang, Scally (Julian McMahon), and spurred on by a vagrant with his own grudge against the Bay Boys.

One could wax lyrical about it being a meaningful exploration of toxic masculinity and a Ballardian descent into sun-kissed madness. Indeed, the overall themes do have their merits. McMahon is compelling as Scally, parodying the kind of trust fund-backed LinkedIn and Instagram “manosphere” influencers whose feeds bleat endlessly about being a “high achiever”.

But let’s be honest, this film very much exists to see Nicolas Cage lose the plot once again – and that’s brilliantly deranged and entertaining. There are moments and lines that provoke outward giggles, such as one frenzy in which Cage shouts, in mad sincerity” “EAT THE RAT! EAT THE RAT!”

And that, ultimately is the sell. Cage is a unique, joyfully unhinged performer and The Surfer gives him his canvas to do what only he can do.

Mark Worgan

The Surfer does not have a release date yet.

Read more reviews from our London Film Festival coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the London Film Festival website here.

Watch a clip from The Surfer here: