Nicolas Cage returns to the horror genre with “Arcadian,” a film that hopes to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Following his recent release “Longlegs,” Cage takes on the role of Paul, a father battling to raise his twin sons, Joseph (Jaeden Martell) and Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins), in a world ravaged by photosensitive creatures.
The origins of this post-apocalyptic landscape are shrouded in mystery, with the initial chaos unfolding off-screen. The plot begins with Cage’s character, Paul, caught in a whirlwind of screams and explosions. Clutching his twin sons, he reassures them with the timeless promise that everything will be alright.
Fast forward fifteen years, the family is eking out a living in a dilapidated farmhouse. The twins have starkly different personalities. Thomas is impulsive and often puts himself and others at risk, while Joseph is contemplative and inventive, perpetually pondering the causes and effects of their actions.
Thomas’s latest misadventure involves sneaking off to visit Charlotte (Sadie Soverall), a girl from a neighboring farm. The tension escalates when Thomas narrowly makes it back home before nightfall, just in time for the family to barricade themselves against the nocturnal monsters. As the creatures claw at the door, Joseph meticulously counts the number of times they attempt to breach the cellar, curious about their retreat.
Paul’s parenting involves pragmatic survival techniques, such as teaching Joseph to drive a rigged-off-roader to fetch wood for reinforcing their defenses. However, Thomas is more interested in socializing with Charlotte, leading to a perilous night out. Thomas fails to meet Joseph at their rendezvous point, instead succumbing to a fall that leaves him concussed.
Paul’s search for Thomas culminates in a tense encounter with the creatures, in which he suffers severe injuries.
. The boys must now procure medicine and fend for themselves against increasingly cunning adversaries.
“Arcadian” excels as a minimalist thriller but falls short of its potential. The plot feels like an introduction or a flashback, leaving audiences yearning for more backstory and character development. Nicolas Cage’s presence, although effective, feels limited, as more screen time is devoted to the unfolding dynamics between the twins. Nevertheless, Martell and Jenkins deliver commendable performances, creating a believable sibling bond that anchors the film’s emotional core. The monsters, with their grotesque snapping jaws, add the requisite horror element, keeping viewers invested in the boys’ plight.
Ireland serves as the stand-in for the mythical Arcadia, presenting lush landscapes that belie the desolation underneath. The visuals juxtapose serene environments with grim survival tactics, accentuating the film’s theme of hidden rot beneath apparent beauty.
Despite its strengths, “Arcadian” could benefit from a deeper narrative. It leaves viewers wondering about Paul’s past and the nuanced reasons behind the twins’ strained relationship. The film’s abrupt ending suggests that the true story might be lurking in a sequel or a related TV series, which, if executed well, could provide the richness temporarily missing from this installment.
Now streaming on Lionsgate Play, “Arcadian” beckons fans of the horror genre to dive into its eerie world, knowing that while it satisfies certain cravings for horror, it leaves enough room for a substantial follow-up. The fundamental question remains whether this film will be a standalone curiosity or the first chapter in a more comprehensive saga.
In conclusion, “Arcadian” might not be the perfect horror experience fans were hoping for, but it offers a solid foundation with potent performances and a chilling atmosphere. It reminds us that survival stories, much like the families they depict, are complex and multifaceted, often leaving more questions than answers.
