In recent years, the movie landscape has been inundated with a plethora of post-apocalyptic films, reflecting a growing fascination with dystopian futures and societal collapse. From desolate wastelands to technologically advanced but morally bankrupt societies, these movies offer an exploration of humanity’s resilience and fragility. With compelling narratives, the genre has fascinated audiences, inviting them to ponder the consequences of environmental disasters, pandemics, unearthly creatures and unchecked technological advancements.

As filmmakers continue to push the boundaries of storytelling, the post-apocalyptic genre remains a powerful mirror to our deepest fears and aspirations for the future, some that may be closer to happening than others.

The realm of post-apocalyptic monster movies is a vibrant and expansive subgenre, offering a thrilling escape into worlds ravaged by chaos and populated by terrifying creatures. From the classic devastation wrought by rampaging scavenger in Mad Max: Fury Road to the harrowing survival against extraterrestrial predators in A Quiet Place, these films captivate with their blend of horror and dystopian storytelling. The genre’s diversity shines through titles like Bird Box, where the monstrous elements are off screen, and Pacific Rim, where humanity battles visually stunning and colossal kaiju in a fight for survival. This plethora of post-apocalyptic narratives continually reinvents the horrors lurking in the aftermath of civilization’s collapse, ensuring a relentless grip on our collective imagination.

Arcadian is a new entry in this list of movies.

The film takes place in a rural area, plagued by monstrous creatures that attack at night. Paul (Nicolas Cage) lives in a farmhouse with his two sons, Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins) and Joseph (Jaeden Martell). During a trip to a neighboring farm owned by the Rose family, Thomas goes missing before sundown, leaving Paul no choice but to search for his missing son. Paul eventually finds Thomas but is injured during a fight with the creatures.

As his wounds fester with infection, his only chance of survival is medication that the Rose family has available but is unwilling to part with. Can the families come to a mutual understanding before it’s too late for Paul? Or are both families doomed to be devoured by the feral night predators?

When talking about Arcadian, one cannot start the conversation without bringing up the creature design. Ever since 2008’s Cloverfield, creature features have seemed stuck in a creative rut, with many films like A Quiet Place replicating its monster design, particularly the face shape and lanky limbs. However, Arcadian breaks this trend with wholly original monsters, looking more like a reptilian-wolf creature. These monsters are thrillingly unique, showcasing an alien biology and movement unlike anything seen in previous films, offering a refreshing and genuinely alien experience on screen.

Arcadian begins as a survivalist story, gradually introducing its main characters, the family dynamics and how they have adapted to a new reality. The main focus is on two teenage brothers whose sibling rivalry and angst pose significant dangers in a post-apocalyptic world. The suspense builds as unseen horrors loom, culminating in a shift from slow-burn tension to high-octane monster action once the creatures are revealed. The plot is shrouded in mystery, with various theories about the apocalypse, but no definitive answers. This extends to the creatures, whose unexplained behavior adds to the horrors, but also creates some confusion. While the filmmakers aimed to balance the known and unknown, the film leaves many lingering questions.

The main draw for me was Nicolas Cage in the lead role. Given his extensive resume of horror films, the prospect of watching Nic Cage go crazy on some aliens was irresistible. While the movie delivers on this promise, it’s only a brief moment in the overall experience. Throughout the film, Cage’s performance is solid, but he feels more like a supporting character than the advertised lead. This isn’t a major issue, but it’s worth noting.

Arcadian is a solid four-out-of-five film, blending elements of post-apocalyptic horror with a touch of coming-of-age drama. It takes the familiar genre tropes that audiences love and tweaks them just enough to keep things fresh and engaging. The creature design is truly exceptional, offering a unique visual experience that stands out in the crowded field of monster movies. The story is compelling and leaves many avenues open for potential sequels, ensuring that viewers will be eager for more.

While Nic Cage fans might feel a bit let down by his limited screen time, his performance is still strong, and the film’s overall quality more than makes up for any disappointment. Arcadian successfully combines horror, suspense and character development, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.