“Arcadian."

“Arcadian” (2024, Hulu) post-apocalyptic action horror. Stars Nicolas Cage as the father of two teenage boys, all trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. The film opens with Mr Cage’s Paul scavenging for supplies in a storehouse and then fleeing through deserted back alleys, with the pandemonium of an apocalyptic event in the background, sirens blaring, sounds of distant explosions, and people screaming. He seeks refuge in a secluded spot, cradling his two infant boys and reassuring them that everything will be okay.

       Directed with a focused camera and contained mayhem by Benjamin Brewer, this little movie from current indie marvel A24 Films is big. A briefie on Mr Brewer: He was the lead visual effects artist for huge Oscar winner and A24 breakthrough “Everything Everywhere All At Once” (2022). I didn’t like that movie though. Of late, Benjamin was the writer of “Reptile,” a Netflix crime thriller almost two years ago. 

       “Reptile” was no big deal to me but “Arcadian” tells me Benjamin Brewer should make more. The monsters in this movie remind us of that weird ET in “Alien.” There’s no explanation where’d they come from etcetera but no matter, the young boys here, Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins, kept me glued, especially Jaeden as the nerdy bro. They can act, for sure. Yup, this is not really a Nic Cage thriller. Admittedly though, if he isn’t in “Arcadian,” why would I even bother to watch? All these guys, including boss Benjamin Brewer, are relative unknowns. 🎥👍📽

GAVE UP. “The Worst Person in the World” (2021, Hulu) romantic comedy-drama film. Review says: “An achingly human and frighteningly accurate portrait of an entire generation's existential crisis.” Cannes winner. Renate Reinsve won the 2021 Best Actress award for her performance. Good “correct” movie, I guess. But I get bored.