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The Surfer

Play trailer2:24Poster for The SurferRIn Theaters Fri May 21h 43mMystery & ThrillerDramaPlay Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Surfer

What to Know

Critics Consensus

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

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Cast & Crew

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Lorcan Finnegan

Director

Nicolas Cage

The Surfer

Julian McMahon

Scally

Nicholas Cassim

The Bum

Miranda Tapsell

The Photographer

Alexander Bertrand

Pitbull

Critics Reviews

View All (47) Critics Reviews
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 Read all reviews
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The Surfer

The Surfer: Exclusive Featurette - Eat the RatThe Surfer: Exclusive Featurette - Eat the Rat 0:38 The Surfer: Trailer 1The Surfer: Trailer 1 2:24 View more videos
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The Surfer

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Movie Info

SynopsisIn 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
Rating
R (Some Violence|Drug Content|Sexual Material|Language|Suicide)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 2, 2025, Wide
Runtime
1h 43m
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