The Surfer, the new Nicolas Cage-starring thriller from Irish director Lorcan Finnegan, has secured a North American distribution deal following a rapturous reception at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Australia-set film received a lengthy standing ovation when it was shown during the Midnight Screenings programme at Cannes in May. It has been acquired by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions for a 2025 release.
US entertainment trade publication Deadline says The Surfer follows a man who "returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son but is humiliated by a group of powerful locals and drawn into a conflict that rises with the punishing heat of the summer and pushes him right to his breaking point".
"Lorcan's movie is a stunning visual experience with an incredible palette, coupled with Nicolas Cage at his absolute best," said Lauren Bixby, SVP, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. "We could not be more proud to bring this film to theatres."
The Surfer was written by Irish screenwriter Thomas Martin (Tin Star, Ripper Street, Raw).
Dubliner Finnegan's Lovely Productions is among the producers of The Surfer. His other credits as a director include Nocebo, Vivarium, and Without Name.
