After years abroad in California, a middle-aged man (Nicolas Cage) returns to his beachside hometown in Western Australia to reconnect with his teenaged son through surfing. But his well-intentioned plans are abruptly thwarted by a territorial gang of local surfers with a strict “locals only” code. Humiliated and enraged by their rejection, the man is pushed to the breaking point, declaring war on the gang and risking everything in an all-consuming battle for belonging and respect.

The Surfer fuses an unsettling exploration of toxic masculinity and pride with the no-frills, old-school thrills of 1970s exploitation flicks like Wake in Fright, making for an intense, sun-drenched viewing experience. It also boasts a particularly gonzo performance from Cage that is sure to rank highly in his pantheon of cinematic men on the edge.