June 28, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Nicolas Cage Stars in Arcadian: A Bewitching Apocalypse

New Horror Film Delivers Solid Monster Movie Experience

By Dolores Quintana

Arcadian is a new horror film starring Nicolas Cage (Dream Scenario, Mandy), Jaeden Martell (It, Knives Out), Maxwell Jenkins (Lost In Space), and Sadie Soverall (Saltburn). It was written by Michael Nilon and directed by Ben Brewer, who was the lead visual effects artist for Everything Everywhere All at Once. It’s a very solid monster movie and a bewitching apocalypse. It is now playing in theatres, including Lumiere Music Hall in Beverly Hills, and you can purchase tickets here

Watch the trailer here:

The synopsis for the film is as follows: In the near future, normal life on Earth has been decimated. Paul and his two sons, Thomas and Joseph, have been living a half-life – tranquility by day and torment by night. Every night, after the sun sets, they face the unrelenting attacks of a mysterious and violent evil. One day, when Thomas doesn’t return home before sundown, Paul must leave the safety of their fortified farm to find him. A nightmarish battle ensues that forces the family to execute a desperate plan to survive.

While some have compared the film to A Quiet Place, I think it is more of a throwback to the natural horror film Day of the Triffids from 1963. The monsters responsible for the destruction of civilization are mostly kept off-screen in a wise move to increase tension, but when they arrive, with sneaky tentacles and a horrific clacking sound, they make their mark. 

The film’s cast is one of Arcadian’s biggest assets; with Nicolas Cage, you’ve always got a great performance, and his two sons, played by Martell and Jenkins, work well together and with Cage as their father. The two sons create most of the conflict between each other, with one son, Joseph, a quiet genius who always uses his head, and the other, Paul, a more fiery and rebellious type who brings misfortune upon the family because of his love for Charlotte Rose (Soverall). 

The film’s color palette and style are visceral and striking. While the images tend to be dark, Frank Mobilio’s cinematography is well-lit and gives the film the feel of damp earth. It’s not unpleasant, but it adds to Ben Brewer’s world-building. 

With beautiful imagery, scary monsters, and strong performances, Arcadian is a winner as an individualistic kind of humanistic horror film that leans into the relationships between the survivors and their quirks rather than huge amounts of gore. Not to say that there isn’t blood and violence, but it concentrates on the all too human failings that might have led to our destruction.

in News
<>Related Posts

Suspect Charged by Los Angeles DA with Shooting of Santa Monica Cop and Teens

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Faces Attempted Murder Charges and Over 100 Years to Life in Prison if Convicted. Criminal charges have been filed against...

Muscle Beach History Pop-Up Exhibit to be Presented at Pier 360 Festival

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Visitors can view historical photographs, explore iconic stories, and watch a short documentary highlighting its athletic legacy The Santa Monica...

(Video) Welcome to the Urban Jungle — where nature meets the city and style meets soul

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

Whether you’re chasing that gritty city energy or carving out a green oasis in your space, we’re here to help...

Film Review: Materialists

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

FILM REVIEWMATERIALISTSRated R116 MinutesReleased June 13th Materialists is a story about relationships and commitments underscored by a question of depth....

Homeless Man Identified as Suspect in Recent WAYMO and Santa Monica Place Shootings

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

The suspect is being held at Santa Monica Jail with bail set at $1,000,000 Authorities have identified the suspect arrested...

Gladstones to Reopen After Suffering Partial Fire Damage, Offers Discounts to Locals

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

The eatery returns with a remodeled deck designed by an award-winning architect and a new mural Gladstones, a beloved seaside...

Cherished Culver City Ice Cream Vendor Abducted in Broad Daylight

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano’s Disappearance Led To Grassroots Action Ambrocio Lozano, also known in the neighborhood as Enrique, was abducted around...

Tony P’s Dockside Grill to Close This Weekend After 28 Years in Marina del Rey

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

In a farewell letter, Palermo described the closure as “bittersweet,” expressing gratitude for decades of community support. Tony P’s Dockside...

 (Video) Main Street Gears Up for Celebrations, Invites Palisadians for 2025 July 4th Parade

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

The Event–Which Celebrates 150 Years of Santa Monica Cityhood–Runs from City Hall Down Main Street Main Street Gears Up for...

Santa Monica Police Arrest Shooting Suspect After Officer Ambushed Near Downtown Mall

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

Man Linked to Waymo Vehicle Gunfire Taken Into Custody Following Tense Manhunt The suspect wanted in connection with a shooting...

Palisades Flowers Raises Over $10K, Nears Goal After Fire Destroys Shop

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

The blaze claimed the shop’s delivery van, tools, plants, and flowers, erasing a space that Phipps said was more than...

(Video) WISE & Healthy Aging Helps Loved Ones Boost Their Quality of Life

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

See How the Nonprofit’s Innovative Programs Advance the Dignity of Life for Older Adults See How the Nonprofit’s Innovative Programs...

(Video Recap) Pride Returns to Third Street Promenade with LGBT-Friendly Booths, Games and Entertainment

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

Pride on the Promenade Was One of Several LGBT+ Events to Celebrate Pride Month Throughout the Charter City Over the...

Masked Federal Agents Detain Iranian Asylum Seeker and Wife in Westwood

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

31-Year-Old Woman was Hospitalized After Possible Medical Emergency On Tuesday, June 24, between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., near the...

Burglary Suspects Sought in Santa Monica Coffee Shop Burglary

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

Police noted a similar burglary occurred at Amai Coffee three months ago, and a nearby business, Dr. T House Santa...