It's gratifying to witness Nicolas Cage appearing in a movie that seems worthy of his abilities. Arcadian isn’t a standout horror thriller, but the elements it presents are handled adequately enough to warrant some appreciation. The narrative is functional, bringing to mind "A Quiet Place" from 2018; while the central idea differs, the monster designs and the rural environment share similarities. The suspense builds effectively as the story unfolds. As with most survivalist horror movies, the expectation is that the creatures will eventually appear, and what follows becomes the focal point. We become acquainted with several important characters during this time, including Cage’s surrogate father. His disappearance mid-film and subsequent reappearance toward the conclusion felt a bit underwhelming, though it's likely understandable given the film incorporates a coming-of-age theme. The performances are generally solid, and you can connect with the struggles of Cage’s makeshift family. The creature effects are well-executed but don’t quite manage to feel particularly frightening or threatening. This diminishes the overall sense of post-apocalyptic horror. I believe showing what the creatures actually are early on was a misstep that eliminated any potential for surprises or jump scares. Despite these shortcomings, Arcadian is largely an enjoyable experience and something you might want to include in your collection of horror/thriller films. It's certainly worth checking out.

Source on TMDB