Surf movie premieres in Busselton this week

What if you returned to your cherished childhood surf break with your son, only to encounter humiliation from a group of hostile, badass locals, igniting a conflict that simmers like the relentless summer heat until it pushes you to your breaking point?

Now, imagine Nicolas Cage bringing his distinctive intensity to this psychological battle, played out against the stunning backdrop of Yallingup’s coastline. Now that’s a movie!

The Surfer, featuring Cage alongside Australian actor Julian McMahon and a stellar Aussie cast, makes its regional premiere at Reading Cinemas and Orana Cinemas Busselton on Monday, May 12, at 7pm, before its national release.

Local audiences will have the first chance to see their familiar shores transformed into a landscape of tension and psychological drama with exclusive premiere tickets.

Shot on location in Yallingup, the film grew from a chance encounter between director Lorcan Finnegan and writer Thomas Martin at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Their shared passion for Australian cinema and untamed landscapes directed them toward our shores.

“John Cheever’s ‘The Swimmer‘ – a tale of a man becoming unmoored from his family and community – resonated deeply with my thoughts about fathers and identity,” Martin explained.

“Australian writer Robert Drewe’s short stories about men pushed to their limits also shaped my vision.”

Though both Irish, Martin and Finnegan understood that this story belonged in Australia.

“This landscape offers unique frontiers, both physical and psychological,” Martin said.

“When I witnessed two men fighting on a Sydney beach, I wondered what lay beneath that conflict.

“Was it simply the right to surf that break or something deeper about identity and belonging? Australia’s raw beauty and complex relationships with territory made it the perfect setting to explore these human extremes.”

“We had to do The Surfer in Australia. It had to be an Australian film.”

Finnegan approached the film as an outsider looking in, creating what he calls “a strange dream”, exploring materialism, identity, and belonging.

The result is a psychedelic thriller that drives its unnamed hero (Cage) toward increasingly psychotic states.

It opens with a hazy, dreamlike monologue about the existential importance of surfing between father and son; those sun-drenched visions quickly crash into territorial mayhem courtesy of the local surf gang.

“Before you can surf, you must suffer,” warns Scally (McMahon), the beach bullies’ alpha male.

Cage rises to the challenge with his signature ability to unwind on the chaotic verge of explosion in brilliantly unpredictable ways – the point where Cage’s face is so red that steam radiates from his pores.

Sharply scripted and directed by Martin and Finnegan, this potent story creates a wild ride filled with raw intensity, all filtered through an old-school vibe. As for the ending, let’s say… you’ll have to ride the wave to see!

Perth-based producer James Grandison found multiple attractions in bringing this international production to WA’s shores.

“The South West is stunning. When you’re making a film called The Surfer, you want to be in one of the best surf regions in the world, and WA’s South West coast is most certainly that!”

The film illustrates changing perceptions of WA in the international film industry.

“Western Australia used to be Australia’s best-kept secret. It’s not anymore,” Grandison said.

“We have fantastic local talent in front of and behind the camera making waves internationally.

“Screenwest and the State government offer strong incentives and funding opportunities to attract productions and support Western Australian projects for global audiences.

“With our talented cast and crew, the growing industry is producing award-winning work.”

The combination of location, talent, and Nicolas Cage’s energetic drive proved a winning formula.

“It’s a great privilege to witness someone at the apex of their craft,” Grandison said.

“He is an amazing actor with an incredible work ethic, and the result on screen is a joy to watch.”

The film’s reception at the Cannes Film Festival had the audience hyped.

“The screening was like nothing I’d ever witnessed – cheering, yelling, laughing, screaming. People were yelling lines at the screen they’d only heard for the first time moments earlier,” Grandison said.

“I encourage people to see this film with an audience,” he added.

“It’s funny, shocking – a rollercoaster ride with one of the world’s greatest movie stars in the lead.

“Most importantly, it’s entertaining, and as West Australians, we get the bonus of seeing our beautiful state on screen. We can’t wait for everyone to see it!”

Leave your preconceptions at the door and settle in for a swell time when The Surfer premieres at Reading Cinemas and Orana Cinemas Busselton on Monday, May 12, at 7pm.

Limited tickets for the premiere screenings are available now at: www.madman.com.au

The film opens nationally on May 15 and streams on Stan from May 16.