Nicholas Cage (Mandy, P I G) returns to cinema screens this week with The Surfer, directed by Lorcan Finnegan (Vivarium). In short, the film is a strange one and you’ll either love it or hate it. Set in Western Australia, starring Nicholas Cage and written and directed by a couple of Irishmen. The film reaches high but doesn’t hit the mark. Lacking authenticity while haphazardly dabbling with themes of identity, masculinity, gentrification and societal exclusion. Set against the stark UV index and sweat-soaked backdrop of a secluded Yallingup beach.
We’re introduced to Nico as the Surfer (that’s it, that’s his name). He has excitedly pulled his teenage son away from school for a road trip. Going down south to Luna Bay, where the Surfer grew up and cut his breaks. All the while seeking a grandiose opportunity to bond with and impress his boy. Having a surf together as father and son.
There’s already an unquiet desperation with the Surfer’s appetite for attention. Waving more red flags than a matador. The Surfer is wealthy, he’s separated and soon to be divorced, he’s self absorbed and not quite trustworthy. Also, having a midlife crisis of some sort. It’s obvious his boy knows he’s full of shit. On reaching the beach, however, there’s a problem. A territorial gang of surfers. A club, all spouting the same mantra: “Don’t live ‘ere, don’t surf ‘ere!”. Basically, “Fuck off!”.
That’s about where the seriousness of this tale wraps up. The remaining 90 minutes devolves into a cartoon parody of an irredeemable, Aussie born American trapped in a beach front car park and trying to prove himself. Or trying to find himself at the end of this existential crisis.
The landscape and ocean views are amazing. But the locals and events are barely comic strip satire. Nicholas Cage is phoning in the Surfer’s reactions to the various twists and turns, penned by screenwriter Thomas Martin (White Widow). Of which there are a few and they didn’t really entertain. The film is manic, disjointed, opting for a few cheap narrative moments disguised as clever storytelling and doesn’t offer a payoff. The critical societal and economic subtext seems accidental while the hot takes on brotherhood, masculinity and ‘beta cuck men’ are ham fisted.
As a Nicholas Cage fan and West Aussie, I really wanted to like this one. Turns out, I didn’t. I couldn’t get past the reality that nobody on any WA beach behaves this way, so it’s not relatable. An Irish guy’s idea of what an Aussie beach might be like, maybe after watching Patrick Swayze’s bank robbing guru in Point Break. But your mileage may vary.
There are diamonds in the rough. Nick Cassim (Mr Inbetween) is excellent as the Bum (again, yes, that’s the character’s name). Whilst I really disliked Scally and all the character represents, Julian McMahon’s (RED) performance sold it.
The Surfer releases in Aussie cinemas May 15th. Visually it’s a treat, showcasing the West Australian coastline in a glorious shade of orange. But as an entertaining piece of cinema, it’s pretty ‘meh’, I’m afraid. 5/10 public toilet blocks.
