July 27, 2024 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

Spec Mansion Sale Marks Highest Deal in Palisades in Nearly Two Years

July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

The Deal Was Made Within Just 18 Days on the Market The sale of a luxurious property at 538 Chautauqua...

Why Gov. Newsom’s Order May Worsen Santa Monica’s Homeless Crisis

July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

There Could Be a Shift From the Freeway Into the City’s Streets and Sidewalks By Zach Armstrong Although a recent...

LA’s First Ninja Warrior Training Facility Opening Soon in Los Angeles

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

Facility to Offer Comprehensive Training Programs for All Ages By Susan Payne The first dedicated ninja warrior obstacle training facility...

Film Review: Twisters

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

FILM REVIEWTWISTERSRated PG-13122 MinutesReleased July 19th Twisters was filmed in Oklahoma, part of a region called Tornado Alley which spans...

SM Pier to Host Its First Professional Boxing Matches: Report

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

The Event Will Feature Three Promising Fighters The iconic Santa Monica Pier will host its first professional boxing matches on...

Go Go Bird and FoodBeast Editor Collaborate on New Chicken Sandwich, “The Reach”

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

Chef Brandon Kida and Reach Guinto Create Nostalgic and Exciting Sandwich Go Go Bird is one of the best fried...

(Video) The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills’ Celebration of One Year at Its New Location

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

Now at 9705 S Santa Monica, and filled with delectable cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, and wines of every description,...

Civic Auditorium Set for Revitalization Talks

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

RPG Is Expected to Present a Timeframe for Council Consideration by 2025 The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is poised for...

Alfred Coffee Launches New Breakfast Burritos, Bagels, and Baked Goods

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

New Collaborations with WAKE AND LATE and Artissant by Artelice Alfred Coffee has announced the launch of its new breakfast...

Elon Musk’s Controversial Remarks on Trans Daughter Spark Outrage

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

Musk Repeatedly Deadnames His Daughter, Claiming He Was Tricked Elon Musk, in an interview with Jordan Peterson for the website...

Santa Monica Nonprofits Receive Over $265K to Boost Art Initiatives: Report

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

The Grants Are Part of the Organizational Grant and Community Impact Arts Grant Programs, Which Distributed a Combined $6.4 Million...

New 3rd Street Promenade Banner Depicts City Officials as “Mount Drugsmore”

July 23, 2024

July 23, 2024

As With the Previous Placard, David White Is the Primary Subject of Ridicule By Zach Armstrong The longstanding “Santa Methica...

Four Reasons Why It’s Time to Hire a Manny (Or a Nanny)

July 23, 2024

July 23, 2024

By Susan Payne Being a parent is enjoyable and rewarding, but certain aspects of the lifestyle can be tiring and...

Surprise Announcement: All Roads Pinseria + Enoteca is Now Open in Brentwood

July 23, 2024

July 23, 2024

The Grand Opening Celebration is Still Scheduled for Friday, July 26 In a surprise announcement on Monday, July 22, All...

Kamala Harris Secures Democratic Presidential Nomination with Unprecedented Support

July 23, 2024

July 23, 2024

Over 1,976 State Delegates Pledge Support, Solidifying Harris as the Nominee By Dolores Quintana In one day, Brentwood resident and...