Nicolas Cage confronts nocturnal creatures in a post-apocalyptic Arcadian teaser

By M Muzamil Shami

Check out EW's exclusive sneak peek at the thriller debuting at SXSW this month.

Nicolas Cage takes on the role of a father grappling with the challenges of raising two sons amidst a bleak, dystopian setting, as revealed in EW's exclusive preview of the trailer for the post-apocalyptic thriller, Arcadian.

Drawing parallels to the tense atmosphere of "A Quiet Place," Arcadian unfolds in a future where the remnants of civilization struggle to survive amidst widespread devastation. Cage portrays Paul, a father navigating this hostile world alongside his sons, Thomas (played by Maxwell Jenkins) and Joseph (portrayed by Jaeden Martell). In this world, sinister creatures emerge under cover of night, wreaking havoc upon the dwindling human population.

When Thomas fails to return home one fateful day, Paul embarks on a desperate quest to locate him before nightfall, setting the stage for a harrowing battle for survival. While the exact cause of society's collapse remains shrouded in mystery, the chilling trailer suggests a connection to climate change, hinting at a grim fate for humanity. As Paul reflects in a haunting voiceover, "There are those who believe they came after the pollution people caused, and they’re here to cleanse the planet of the human race; so we’ll all become extinct."

Paul stresses to his sons over dinner the importance of remaining vigilant. However, the allure of young love proves potent, even amidst an apocalyptic backdrop, clouding one's judgment. The idyllic scenes of one of the boys meeting a young woman in verdant fields quickly spiral into chaos as the family finds themselves besieged by enigmatic monsters at their farmhouse come nightfall.

       Nicolas Cage and Maxwell Jenkins star in the film 'Arcadian'. (Photo Credit: Patrick Redmond/RLJE)

Arcadian reunites Nicolas Cage with his The Trust collaborator Benjamin Brewer as they team up once again for this thrilling venture. Premiering at SXSW on March 11 and hitting theaters on April 12, the film promises a gripping narrative.

Director Brewer expressed his attraction to the project, citing the central theme of brotherhood as particularly compelling. Having previously worked with his brother Alex on The Trust, Brewer found resonance in exploring this dynamic. He remarked on the intriguing prospect of juxtaposing a coming-of-age tale within a dystopian world akin to Mad Max, infusing familiar themes with a dark fairytale essence. Furthermore, Brewer expressed his excitement at the prospect of collaborating with Nicolas Cage once more.

Cage's recent filmography showcases his versatility, from comedy in The Retirement Plan and Dream Scenario to horror in Renfield, where he portrayed Dracula opposite Nicholas Hoult's titular character.