After fleeing to the peaceful countryside, a caring father tries his best to raise his sons and protect them from an invasive species that has wreaked havoc on the world. While the boys have their quarrels, the lessons their dad has taught them will end up being detrimental to their survival.
Starring Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, Maxwell Jenkins, and Sadie Soverall, Arcadian is a surprisingly heartwarming family drama set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop. The film genre bends leaning into moments of horror, sci-fi, and action but maintains a beautiful story about a family’s perseverance.
Screenwriter Michael Nilon found inspiration in the bond he shared with his sons during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, Nicolas Cage drew upon his own experiences with his father, who he was predominately raised by. This homage to the relationship between a father and son is palpable and serves as a significant motivation for the entire movie.
The film boasts some wonderful performances and Cage steers the ship well. However, it’s Martell (It and It Chapter Two) who steals the show. He plays a reserved character who has a strong sense of curiosity and inner strength that will enable him to evolve and eventually become a formidable opponent to the creatures.
And speaking of creatures, this film offers a unique concept for its subterranean monsters, crafting something unnerving and intriguing. However, I think they overcomplicated it with different layers of inspiration that do not necessarily translate well. But they definitely add a frightening layer to the story, albeit confusing.
Overall, I love how Arcadian can deliver tense moments and action-packed scenes, but then gracefully transitions back to the core message of family. It was a surprisingly enjoyable creature feature that was both fun and touching — making it one of my favorites from this year’s SXSW.
Arcadian hits theaters on April 12 and Shudder sometime after.
Jordy Reviews It 
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