Adam Matthews looks at Arcadian, a taut and tense pastoral sci-fi horror loaded with a new breed of creature.

Arcadian is a taut thriller that blends elements of horror, science fiction, and family drama, fitting into a strand of science fiction known as pastoral sci-fi. Directed with a steady hand by Benjamin Brewer, the film offers a refreshingly subtle approach to storytelling, and leans into ambiguity. So much is left to the audience’s imagination. From its opening moments, Arcadian draws viewers into a world where paranoia, survival, and the unknown collide. The film avoids the pitfall of laborious expository scenes, leaving the origin of the apocalypse vague. 

Paul (Nicolas Cage) and his surrogate sons, Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins) and Joseph (Jaeden Martell) are navigating a dystopian future where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction. Society has been decimated by an unspecified disaster. Despite living in rural tranquility, ferocious creatures awaken at sunset, tormenting the survivors. The presence of a mysterious and terrifying new breed of monster overshadows the family’s hope for refuge. After one nighttime incident, the brothers must devise a risky strategy to apply their father’s teachings to save Paul’s life. Their journey becomes one of survival as they confront these horrifying beings and the internal tensions and fears that arise within their small, makeshift family. 

A standout aspect of Arcadian is its unique production design. The creatures are nightmarish and unsettling, featuring starfish-like external stomachs, a coyote pack mentality, and machine-gun chattering beaks. These elements blend together to create beings that are both grotesque and intelligently menacing. Unlike typical movie monsters, they exhibit strategy, biding their time and playing psychological games with the survivors. This approach justifies the film’s deliberate pacing. The decision to flesh out their intelligence and pack mentality pays off, heightening the horror. Even as the curtain is lifted, the unnerving tension is emphasised by the perturbed question of ‘what is that?’ which shifts to a dramatic exclamation of ‘WHAT IS THAT?!’. 

One of the most memorable scenes involves a glimpse of the creature’s arm, which is genuinely unsettling, the terror emphasised by their underground, nocturnal nature. The film’s setting juxtaposes the natural world against the dangers of a post-apocalyptic landscape, creating a unique backdrop for the horror that unfolds. In mythology, Arcadia represents an unspoiled, harmonious wilderness, often associated with simplicity and peace. Arcadian subverts this idea, presenting an environment that initially promises safety and solace but ultimately reveals itself to be as perilous as the world that was left behind. 

Brewer balances horror with coming-of-age drama, and spends time exploring the dynamics between the two brothers in scenes like the tense dinner exchange. Paul’s posed question “Are we not men?” to his sons cools the heated conflict in the room. And when followed by a knife plunge, this subtly establishes the personalities and underlying issues. Cage delivers a subdued, compelling performance as Paul, a portrayal that contrasts with his more flamboyant roles. The only constants in Thomas and Joseph’s lives are their surrogate father’s guiding arm as well as the oppressive presence of the creatures. When left to fend for themselves, Thomas projects a false bravado that sharply contrasts with Joseph’s retreat into intellectual isolation. This builds a compelling narrative of survival and familial bonds that are tested to their limits. In contrast to this is Longlegs – another Cage film with a completely disparate performance.

Despite its strengths, Arcadian might not be for everyone. The film’s pacing and low-key approach to exposition can be frustrating. Arcadian invites viewers to engage with the material and fill in the gaps, creating an immersive experience that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. 

DP Frank Mobilio uses a documentary-style approach to filmmaking to capture the action. Scenes are shot with a handheld camera, and often, there were no tech rehearsals to keep things fresh. Some verdant shots are captured with stillness and wonder befitting the Irish landscape–which was where the movie was primarily filmed. However, the shaky camera work combined with low lighting creates a disorienting visual experience rather than immersive. Moreover, while an interesting choice for a justifiably naturalistic rendering, the lack of clarity makes it difficult to discern essential details during critical scenes.

Brewer understands the power of what is left unsaid. Arcadian’s blend of muted performances, intriguing creature designs, unsettling visuals, and minimal exposition creates a haunting, atmospheric experience. Those who appreciate a film that respects their intelligence will find Arcadian to be a unique, if not entirely satisfying, experience.

Arcadian is in cinemas 14th June 2024. 

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