"The Surfer" is a 2024 psychological thriller starring Nicolas Cage, directed by Lorcan Finnegan and written by Thomas Martin.

The movie is an Australian-Irish co-production, with filming primarily taking place in Yallingup, Western Australia.

The story centers on an unnamed man (played by Nicolas Cage) who returns to his childhood beachside hometown in Australia after many years of living in the United States.

Upon his return, he encounters a gang of local surfers who assert dominance over the beach and humiliate him in front of his teenage son.

Wounded and enraged, Cage's character decides to confront the gang, refusing to back down.

This leads to a violent and escalating conflict that drives him to the brink of madness.

"The Surfer" premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2024.

It has received mixed to positive reviews.

Critics have noted its intense and unnerving atmosphere, with particular praise for Cage's performance and Finnegan's direction.

Although it literally addresses the issues surrounding surf localism, it figuratively highlights the culture of toxic masculinity that is present in modern societies.