Arcadian (2024) is a post-apocalyptic action-horror film directed by Benjamin Brewer, starring Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, and Maxwell Jenkins. Set in a world overrun by mysterious, terrifying creatures, the film follows Paul (Cage), a father living in rural isolation with his two sons, Joseph and Thomas, as they try to survive the relentless nightly attacks by these beasts.
Plot: Paul and his sons have fortified their farmhouse against the monsters. The tension rises when the sons’ differing personalities create conflicts that lead to dangerous situations. As the creatures grow more aggressive, the family’s survival depends on their ability to work together and outwit these nightmarish entities, whose origins remain unknown.
Review: The film has received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the film’s creature design, which draws on influences from Alien and other horror classics. The effects, though minimal, are highly effective, with quick shots maintaining suspense. Nicolas Cage delivers a subdued performance, letting the younger cast take the spotlight in what is a lean, tightly paced thriller.
Ratings:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 78% positive reviews with a 6.4/10 average
- Metacritic: Score of 57/100, indicating mixed reviews
Arcadian blends family drama with horror, offering plenty of tension and scares through well-crafted visual effects and strong performances from its cast.
