Arcadian
Years after a virus ravaged Earth’s population, Paul and his twin sons, Thomas and Joseph, exist on a remote farm, battling dangerous creatures that come after dark. When the boys alter plans one day, their entire existence teeters on the edge. The boys are like oil and water. When Paul nearly dies, they must cooperate to survive.
Nic Cage brings a surprising calmness to the role of Paul. His steady guidance, protective nature, and genuine connection with his co-stars draw you in. Unlike the usual Nic Cage genre fare, where we revel in his quirky behavior, ARCADIAN reminds us of his depth in drama. He is intensely compelling.
Maxwell Jenkins gives Thomas the volatile toxicity of a hormonal teenage boy. Fiercely independent and craving social interaction, Thomas puts his family in danger by keeping secrets. He is entirely unlikeable, meaning Jenkins does his job correctly.
Jaeden Martell plays Joseph with a quiet, analytical brain. He studies and tracks the creatures’ behavior, leaning into his humanity. Martell shines in his authentic compassion. Joseph’s knowledge proves vital to their survival. 
The immersive handheld camera work and sound editing immediately draw you in. When we get our first glimpse of the creatures, it is jarring. It took my breath away. The more we see, the more shocking the reaction. It is wildly bizarre and completely original. Due to the lack of backstory, the audience must go along for the ride from moment to moment.
I would love for writer Mike Nilon and director Benjamin Brewer to team up for a prequel. ARCADIAN is some real WTF creature feature stuff wrapped in honest near-future drama. It is 100% worth your attention.
RLJE Films Will Release ARCADIAN exclusively In Theaters on April 12
Directed by Benjamin Brewer
Written by Mike Nilon
Starring Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, Maxwell Jenkins, and Sadie Soverall
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Is this another out-of-this-world Nic Cage movie? Duh. Is it like watching a graphic novel and an episode of MST3K, all at once?! Yup. Overall, the screenplay features the smallest bit of backstory, and perhaps an homage to films like Return To Oz, Mad Max, and even The Wiz. There is so much happening in this wild story. I would not be angry if sequels popped up sooner rather than later. I have so many questions about this world that I’d even love a prequel! Give me all the whacked-out colorful silliness that is Prisoners of The Ghostland. I demand a franchise.
Bill M
This film’s visual is all about vibrant color. Your eyes dart everywhere in an attempt to take in every detail. Joseph Trapanese’s score is gorgeous. You will not be able to ignore it. The costumes are wild, and the set dressing is bewildering. Prisoners of The Ghostland is a genre-defying spectacle. It’s captivating in its eccentricity. It deserves to be viewed on the largest possible screen. You’ve never seen anything like this film. The story is completely disjointed at times, but that’s not a reason to write this off. Will I watch this again because it’s destined to be a cult favorite? You know it.
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