Michael's Movie Grade: B+
One heck of a wild ride.
This movie starts with a very simple premise. When a man tries to take his teenage son surfing, he is told to go home because this spot is for locals only. What happens from here is constantly shocking and unexpected. This is a rare thriller that constantly surprises (incredibly the trailer didn't give anything away). Yet most of the twists here make perfect sense when they happen. Some are even quite clever. The movie goes into some very dark places, yet it never becomes too hard to watch. This is because throughout the movie has dreamlike quality to it and there is a sense of humor throughout. The humor never makes fun of the dark storyline or distracts from it. Instead, the humor perfectly complements the dark story, while making it easier to digest. However, this movie may not have worked if it wasn't for Nicholas Cage in the lead. This role feels perfectly tailored for him and the way he plays this character as he slowly loses his mind is perfect.
Unfortunately, this movie is completely lacking in any form of subtlety. Its messaging about toxic masculinity is a bit too obvious and, on the nose. Meanwhile many of the support character come off as caricatures rather than real people.
While it may not perfect this a gripping and constantly surprising thriller.
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