In the near future, on a decimated Earth, Paul and his twin sons face terror at night when ferocious creatures awaken. When Paul is nearly killed, the boys come up with a plan for survival, using everything their father taught them to keep him alive.
The 2024 movie Arcadian, directed by Benjamin Brewer, stars Nicolas Cage as Paul, a father striving to protect his teenage twin sons, Joseph (Jaeden Martell) and Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins), in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world. In this suspenseful action horror, humanity has nearly collapsed due to a viral outbreak, and dangerous creatures lurk outside once night falls. The family lives in a secluded farmhouse, where Paul must confront both external threats and internal conflicts within his family as they struggle to survive each night’s terror.
The film highlights the strained yet deeply connected relationship between Paul and his sons, who have contrasting personalities—Joseph is analytical and cautious, while Thomas is daring and impulsive. Their emotional journeys, along with the father’s protective instincts, form a strong backbone for the story. Brewer’s direction emphasizes tense, quick glimpses of the grotesque, insectoid monsters, creating an unsettling and relentless atmosphere that captivates audiences. The film also offers a unique perspective on resilience, hope, and family bonds in an unforgiving world, with some critics noting its thematic connections to films like A Quiet Place and 28 Days Later.
While some reviewers feel the film could benefit from deeper world-building, Arcadian effectively combines creature horror with familial drama, providing an intense viewing experience. Fans of post-apocalyptic tales and suspenseful creature features may find Arcadian both gripping and emotionally resonant as it explores themes of survival and sacrifice in a nightmarish reality.