Arcadian review

By Jason Kerr

What can be said about Nick Cage that has not been already said? Nothing, so I will try not to say anything other than things related to his performance.

Benjamin Brewer’s Arcadian, a dystopian horror monster thriller is set in the not-too-distant future. Filmed on location in and around Dublin Ireland it’s the perfect location as at times it appears that nature itself is in a battle.

Cage plays Paul, a father of boys Joseph and Thomas as he navigates their existence which is hampered by monsters. Cage uses his acting skills to great effect, and we see an almost diluted yet solid performance to what we have come to expect.

The boys Thomas and Joseph take on the more central roles and do a fine job. The boys are well versed in essential life skills such as securing their farmhouse at night. As Paul asks, ‘Are we safe?’ ‘yes’ ‘Are we secure’ ‘Yes’.

Their word is good enough and they have been taught well. The nocturnal beasts come knocking and clawing at the farmhouse. The doors as well as the father and his boys hold firm. It’s up to Paul to reinforce and repair the damage as he surveys the deep claw marks running across the doors the next morning.

Paul faces natural challenges to his authority from his boys Thomas and Joseph. Thomas has been spending time at Rose Farm helping and trying to win the affection of Charlotte the daughter of the family at that farm. Thomas is late coming home one night, as night falls so does Thomas, into a crevice where he is now trapped and cannot get out. Paul sets out to find Thomas and Joseph stays at the farm reassured by Paul that he can handle himself well. The evenings are perilous enough and they are about to become more terrifying.

Arcadian is released in theatres from today.