Grab FREE tickets to watch Nicolas Cage thriller The Surfer ahead of its official release date
• Free preview screenings of The Surfer in over 100 cinemas across the UK ahead of its official release. Part of Escapes, encouraging all to experience the beauty of their local independent cinema
• Escapes is now offering screenings over two dates The Surfer preview on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 April
• Over 110,000 free cinema tickets have been claimed to date through the Escapes initiative, which began in February 2024

Escapes, supported by the BFI awarding National Lottery Funding, continues its mission to bring independent cinema to audiences across the UK with its next major screening event over two dates in April.
Following the success of previous free screenings, Escapes is excited to announce The Surfer, starring Academy Award-winner Nicolas Cage, as its highly anticipated next film, with free previews available nationwide on Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th April ahead of its official release in the UK (UK release date 09.05.25).
Directed by Lorcan Finnegan, The Surfer tells the gripping story of a man who returns to the sun-drenched beach of his childhood, hoping to share the joy of surfing with his son.
However, his visit takes a dark turn when he is confronted and humiliated by a group of powerful locals. As tensions rise with the searing heat of the summer, he is drawn into an escalating conflict that will push him to the very edge.
Featuring an intense lead performance by Nicolas Cage, alongside Julian McMahon as the formidable antagonist, The Surfer is a psychological thriller packed with sun, surf, and suspense.
Escapes is shining a spotlight on the charm and uniqueness of independent cinema, and has provided over 110,000 free cinema tickets across the UK since it launched in February 2024.
From Nottingham’s Savoy Cinema, the only pre-Second World War cinema still standing in the city, to Whitley Bay’s Jam Jar, Glasgow’s Omniplex, and many more, Escapes will be screening The Surfer at over 100 cinemas nationwide on both Monday 28 April and Tuesday 29 April.
Whether you’re looking to share a memorable experience with loved ones or simply enjoy a feel-good film, this screening promises to be a fantastic evening of entertainment, celebrating the magic of independent films and cinemas across the UK.
With past successful screenings including heartwarming dramedy The Penguin Lessons with Steve Coogan, family friendly favourite The Sloth Lane, and inspiring biopic Mr. Burton, Escapes continues to spotlight the power of independent storytelling. Whether you’re a longtime Nicolas Cage fan or simply looking for an unforgettable night at the movies, this screening promises to be an electrifying cinematic event.
Tickets for The Surfer are FREE and available now at: https://escapes.cinematik.app/
Escapes confirmed locations
England
Acton, Ambleside, Barnstaple, Battersea, Bethnal Green, Birmingham, Blackburn, Bodmin, Bolton, Borehamwood, Boston, Bridgwater, Bristol, Burnham On Crouch, Burnley, Bury St Edmunds, Burgess Hill, Catterick, Chippenham, Chorley, Cleethorpes, Coleford, Corby, Croydon, Doncaster, East Dereham, East Finchley, East Riding, Elland, Fakenham, Fareham, Farnham, Folkestone, Gloucester, Goole, Grantham, Hayes, Helston, Herne Bay, High Wycombe, Hull, Ilfracombe, Ipswich, King’s Lynn, Kingsbridge, Leeds, London, Louth, Lytham St Annes, Mablethorpe, Malvern, Manchester, Mile End, Morecambe, New Brighton, Nottingham, Okehampton, Penrith, Plymouth, Redcar, Richmond, Rochdale, Romford, Sheffield, St Austell, St Ives, Stowmarket, Sunderland, Sutton, Tiverton, Torquay, Truro, Ulverston, Uttoxeter, Wakefield, Wellington, Weston-Super-Mare, Weymouth, Whitley Bay, Widnes, Wisbech, Woking, Woodhall Spa, Workington, Worthing, Wotton, Worksop
Scotland
Aberfeldy, Annan, Ayr, Bo’ness, Clydebank, Cumbernauld, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greenock, Kirkwall, Montrose, Portree, Stirling, Thurso
Wales
Aberystwyth, Barry, Brynamman, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Neath, Port Talbot, Prestatyn.
Northern Ireland
Derry, Dundonald, Newry, Omagh.