The Surfer

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2:24

The Surfer

In Theaters Fri May 2

1h 43m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

47 Reviews

Popcornmeter

0 Verified Ratings

In the psychological thriller directed by Lorcan Finnegan, a man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. But his desire to hit the waves is thwarted by a group of locals whose mantra is "don't live here, don't surf here." Humiliated and angry, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising in concert with the punishing heat of the summer and pushes him to his breaking point.

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Critics Consensus

Nicolas Cage expertly rides the waves of toxic masculinity in this sand filled arena of torment.

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Lorcan Finnegan

Director

Nicolas Cage

The Surfer

Julian McMahon

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Nicholas Cassim

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Ross McIndoe

Slant Magazine

When The Surfer does break out of the sun-addled fugue state that marks its midsection, it delivers a gonzo finale that lets Nicolas Cage rev himself up into his most manic, meme-able self.

Rated: 2.5/4

Mar 2, 2025

Full Review

Peter Howell

Toronto Star

Funny, disturbing and disarming, The Surfer is the best thing Cage has done in years.

Rated: 3/4

May 28, 2024

Full Review

Tara Brady

Irish Times

Nods to the genre standard, Wake in Fright, but the misleading azure skies add to the bad trip. “Before you can surf you must suffer,” says menacing surfing guru, Scally (Julian McMahon). Cage obliges throughout this entertaining B-picture.

Rated: 4/5

May 23, 2024

Full Review

Oscar Goff

Boston Hassle

The Surfer may not be the most coherent critique of our unfortunate current social conditions, but it’s a primal scream which feels apt for the moment.

Mar 27, 2025

Full Review

Matt Donato

Certified Forgotten

The Surfer is a strange, salty brew with exploitation vibes aimed at bullheaded toxic masculinity.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 26, 2025

Full Review

James Preston Poole

But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Rich with thematic material and even richer in performances and aesthetic flourishes, Nicolas Cage’s streak of choosing interesting projects that push him as a performer continues.

Mar 18, 2025

Full Review

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The Surfer: Trailer 1

2:24

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Synopsis

In the psychological thriller directed by Lorcan Finnegan, a man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. But his desire to hit the waves is thwarted by a group of locals whose mantra is "don't live here, don't surf here." Humiliated and angry, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising in concert with the punishing heat of the summer and pushes him to his breaking point.

Director: Lorcan Finnegan
Producer: Leonora Darby, James Harris, Robert Connolly, James Grandison, Brunella Cocchiglia, Nicolas Cage, Nathan Klingher
Screenwriter: Thomas Martin
Distributor: Lionsgate / Roadside Attractions
Production Co: Arenamedia, Tea Shop Productions
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 2025, Wide
Runtime: 1h 43m