Nicolas Cage's The Surfer Earns 88% Rotten Tomatoes Score Ahead of May 2 Release

Nicolas Cage stars in Lorcan Finnegan's new psychological thriller, The Surfer, which explores themes of toxic masculinity and personal transformation as Cage's character is pushed to his limits by a domineering local surf gang. The film follows Cage's descent from a straightforward businessman to an unhinged survivor, driven by escalating humiliation and violence at the hands of the Bay Boys, led by Julian McMahon's ambiguous antagonist. Critics have praised The Surfer for its disturbing plot, sun-soaked atmosphere, and Cage's intense performance, with early reviews highlighting its dramatic tension and relevance. The movie has already garnered strong acclaim, earning an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of Cage's highest-rated films of the decade. The Surfer is set for theatrical release on May 2, 2025, and is noted for both its timely examination of masculinity in crisis and its unsettling, hypnotic style. The ensemble cast and Finnegan's direction are also receiving positive attention from audiences and critics alike.