The Surfer

Nicolas Cage has built a reputation for making some bold, unconventional career choices in recent years, diving into a range of unique and often off-beat films that defy the expectations of mainstream Hollywood. From Mandy to Longlegs, Cage has delivered some truly fascinating, if not always widely ... appreciated, performances. With The Surfer, he once again takes on a role that promises to be eccentric and boundary-pushing. Unfortunately, this time, despite Cage's commitment and the film's daring premise, the result is ultimately more frustrating than fulfilling. Set against the backdrop of an Australian coastal town, The Surfer follows Cage's character as he navigates a series of personal and professional crises. The setting could have been the perfect place for a character study. Still, the film suffers from numerous flaws that undermine its potential. First and foremost are the plot holes. The narrative lurches from one underdeveloped subplot to another, leaving viewers struggling to make sense of crucial story elements and emotional arcs that are introduced and then abandoned with little explanation. While still carrying his trademark intensity, Cage's performance feels almost too detached from the material. It's clear he's trying to elevate the film with his presence. Still, even his considerable skills can't save the disjointed script and inconsistent character development. The supporting cast, unfortunately, doesn't do much to shore up the film either, with several performances that are more wooden than compelling. There's a lack of chemistry between Cage and his co-stars. This becomes painfully apparent in the quieter, more intimate moments that could have saved the film from its overwhelming tone of confusion. As for the production, the decision to shoot The Surfer in Australia feels like a financial choice, given the backing received from Film Australia, rather than an artistic one. Given that the film was likely envisioned as a Los Angeles-set story—based on its coastal surf culture premise—the shift to Australia never quite makes sense within the context of the plot. This relocation doesn't just muddy the geographical setting but also disrupts the story's internal logic. In terms of direction and pacing, The Surfer is at odds with itself. At times it lingers too long in scenic, unspoken moments, trying to create a sense of weight and atmosphere that the script simply doesn't support. Other times, it rushes through pivotal plot points, leaving us wondering why the film didn't give them the attention they deserved. In the end, The Surfer is a missed opportunity. While Cage's recent string of off-beat projects has demonstrated his willingness to take risks, this film feels more like a cash grab, attempting to draw on Australia's lucrative film incentives without fully committing to the necessary creative depth. Instead, what could have been an exciting exploration of identity, loss, and redemption becomes a muddled, forgettable affair. Fans of Cage may still find some enjoyment in his performance, but for most viewers, The Surfer is likely to disappoint. read more

<em>'The Surfer'</em> has really just one thing to say about it: if ever a movie was made for Nicolas Cage! I got great entertainment from this one, the main man himself is terrific all the way through but, in fairness, is joined by a very ably performing supporting cast. I can sometimes get more ... annoyed than anything else when films use yobs as antagonists, but this flick shows the way to utilise those sorta characters because here they are the (relatively) believable but also clearly just there to mess with the protagonist; their actors do good. Cage is obviously the star, but I did enjoy watching Nic Cassim (the best away from the lead) and Julian McMahon. As expected given its a psychological thriller, the plot does indeed go heavy in both of those things. It does meander a bit much in the middle, but it's ultimately worth it. The score is excellent, that and most other elements to this make it clear that a lot of thought and attention to detail has gone into making this. It's a nice looking film, for sure. That means little if the story isn't engaging though, which thankfully it most definitely is here. read more

Hmmm! I’m not sure why this is called “The Surfer” as there is precious little actual surfing, swimming - even paddling, in this rather far-fetched psychological thriller. It’s all about Nicolas Cage whose un-named character arrives at an idyllic Australian cove with his son (Finn Little) so he can ... show him something special. Thing is, all rubbered-up and en route to the beach, they are stopped by some local thugs who claim the surfing is only for the locals. They ain’t, so they have to get lost. The youngster has to get home and back to school, but dad has no intention of being brow-beaten by “Scally” (Julian McMahon) and his gang of hoodlums - you see, he grew up here and it’s all a matter of pride. What now ensues, though, is more a matter of the ridiculous as the story lurches along making less and less sense as it tries to blur realities and characterisations before a conclusion that, for me anyway, just didn’t make much sense. It’s sort of cultish, I suppose, and to be fair Cage does well as his character enters what can only be described as a maelstrom of confusing scenarios that gradually drive him ever closer to desperate action. There are plot holes galore here and the first hour of the story is so dragged out that by the time we do head towards the plunge moment, I’d completely lost interest. It might have a double-meaning for those of us who are finding ourselves priced or just plain bullied out of our childhood communities, but sadly that message doesn’t sell the silliness of this vehicle for a star who needed a stronger, more tangible, foil for his surf-free surfer. Sorry, this just sank for me. read more

The way the story gets constructed as events play out engages and entertains. I lost track of things. Reality comes and goes in waves; never quite the same. The performances function to guide you into a state of confused belief. I can't recall laughing for as long during a movie. The locals are amaz ... ing. Nick's confidence shines through. He knows exactly what he's doing all the time though he may not have felt the same 5 minutes before. Great drinking. Incredibly structured insanity. I've never been where the men chunder but I certainly won't try to surf their break. Such colorful characters. The visuals are fantastic. Through violent cuts to screaming cicadas and dreamy water effects, the camera is not afraid. I would seek this on the big screen. Maybe I'd even leave after the cop comes back. Just go crazy, you know. I peaked hard relatively early but the comedown was beautiful and rewarding. read more