The Surfer (2025) | Nicolas Cage Thriller on Lionsgate Play – Sep 19
Release Date: September 19, 2025
Platform: Lionsgate Play
About The Surfer
The Surfer is a gripping psychological thriller that explores obsession, identity, and survival. The film follows a man, played by Nicolas Cage, who returns with his son to the beach of his childhood. Hoping to reconnect with his past, he plans to buy his late grandfather’s house and reclaim the waves he once called his own.
However, his dream quickly turns into a nightmare when local surfers and residents confront him with a brutal message: “Don’t live here, don’t surf here.” What begins as resistance grows into harassment, humiliation, and escalating violence. The more he tries to stand his ground, the deeper he spirals into isolation and conflict, testing his limits of endurance and sanity.
Cast and Characters
- Nicolas Cage as The Surfer – A man torn between nostalgia and survival, determined to reclaim his roots.
- Julian McMahon as Scally – One of the antagonistic locals.
- Nic Cassim as The Bum – A mysterious presence on the beach.
- Miranda Tapsell as The Photographer – Capturing moments that intensify the tension.
- Alexander Bertrand as Pitbull – Another threat among the locals.
- Justin Rosniak as The Cop – Representing authority but adding to the unease.
Direction and Writing
Directed by Lorcan Finnegan and written by Thomas Martin, the film masterfully blends atmospheric tension with psychological depth. Cage’s intense performance anchors the narrative, turning the isolated beach into a battleground for pride and survival.
Production
Produced by Saturn Films, Arenamedia, Lovely Productions, and Tea Shop Productions, the film has strong international backing. Distribution spans multiple territories, including Madman Films in Australia, Stan for streaming, and Vertigo Releasing in Ireland and the UK, ensuring a global reach.
Why Watch
For fans of Nicolas Cage and psychological thrillers, The Surfer offers a tense and thought-provoking narrative. It explores the dangers of obsession, the brutality of human conflict, and the haunting isolation of fighting alone.
