"The Surfer," a psychological thriller directed by Lorcan Finnegan and starring Nicolas Cage, takes viewers on a sun-drenched journey into madness, but some critics suggest it eventually loses its way. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 and had a limited theatrical release in the United States on May 2, 2025.

Cage stars as the unnamed Surfer, who returns to his childhood beach in Australia with his teenage son, hoping to reconnect with his past and show his son the house he is trying to buy, which once belonged to his father. However, their plans are disrupted by a gang of local surfers, led by the intimidating Scally (Julian McMahon), who enforce a strict "locals only" policy. Humiliated and driven away, the Surfer drops his son off and becomes increasingly determined to defy the gang and reclaim his right to surf his beach.

As the Surfer persists, the local surfers subject him to escalating torment, stripping him of his possessions and dignity. He faces relentless harassment, theft, and violence, all under the scorching Australian sun. The film portrays his descent into desperation, marked by odd choices and a refusal to quit, even as he loses everything. Some reviews note that Cage's character makes some irrational decisions, yet he is determined to surf and close the housing deal. The Surfer's mental state deteriorates, and the audience is left questioning his sanity as he wanders the beach, increasingly disheveled and detached from reality.

Nicolas Cage delivers a committed performance as a man on the edge, showcasing a range of emotions from rage to despair. Julian McMahon also receives praise for his portrayal of the menacing Scally. The supporting cast includes Nic Cassim as the Bum, Miranda Tapsell as the Photographer, and Finn Little as the Kid.

The film utilizes its setting to great effect, capturing the beauty and brutality of the Australian coastline. The cinematography, with its slow zooms and oversaturated colors, contributes to the sense of unease and disorientation. The score adds to the film's unsettling atmosphere.

While Cage's performance and the film's visuals are often praised, some critics find the plot loses steam. Some find the story's message troublesome themes are only dissected in a decent way. Some suggest the script has humor stemming from the silliness of a gang of surfers or Cage refusing to give up despite the signs. While some find the ending brings everything together, others are not so keen. Despite its flaws, "The Surfer" offers a unique cinematic experience, driven by Nicolas Cage's captivating performance and a descent into sunburnt madness.