The Surfer blends sci-fi and adventure sensibilities under Lorcan Finnegan, tracking a collision between desire and consequence as characters pursue outcomes they may not fully understand until it is too late. Hibipa screened the film as part of our ongoing coverage of major theatrical and streaming releases shaping the 2026 conversation.
- Director
- Lorcan Finnegan
- Runtime
- 110 minutes
- Release
- 2025-01-28
- Primary genres
- Sci-Fi, Adventure
- Platform notes
- Theatrical wide release (check local listings)
Hibipa review
The Surfer is the kind of studio proposition that either earns its runtime or becomes a cautionary tale about excess—this cut lands closer to the former.
Where similar films chase irony, this one opts for sincerity—risky, but it pays off when the emotional stakes snap into place.
Some viewers will want a tighter middle; others will appreciate the breathing room. Either way, the finale pays off the setup. Hibipa will revisit our stance if alternate cuts surface; this review reflects the editorial screening notes available at publication time.
If nothing else, it is evidence that patient blocking and spatial clarity still matter in modern franchise filmmaking.
Strengths
- Strong ensemble chemistry with clearly drawn motivations
- Action choreography that prioritizes geography and clarity
- Confident pacing that trusts audience intelligence
- Cohesive visual identity and disciplined framing
Weak spots
- One subplot gestures at depth without fully landing payoff
- The finale asks for an emotional leap some viewers may not grant
- Secondary antagonist motivations feel thinner than the leads
Cast
Tom Holland, Jenna Ortega, Hailee Steinfeld, Anthony Mackie, Simu Liu
Trailer & footage
Official trailer uploads move between channels and territories. Hibipa links to YouTube results filtered for the exact title so you can verify distributor uploads.
