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Poster for The Surfer

The Surfer

Seen it?

2025 | 100 min | Drama, Thriller

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 5.7 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Foxcatcher or Nocturnal Animals, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense and unsettling.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. When he is humiliated by a group of locals, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising and pushes him to his breaking point.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    5.7 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a modest audience

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 203K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Lorcan Finnegan

  • Nicolas CageThe Surfer
  • Julian McMahonScally
  • Justin RosniakCop
  • Alexander BertrandPitbull
  • Rahel RomahnConlon
  • Nicholas CassimThe Bum
  • Finn LittleThe Kid
  • Charlotte MaggiJenny
  • Nina YoungThe Dog Walker
  • James BinghamRunt 1