In his favorable Sundance review, IndieWire’s David Ehrlich described the film as “a sukiyaki psych-Western that casts Nicolas Cage as a criminal on a mission to rescue a runaway girl from a post-apocalyptic wasteland before the bombs attached to his balls explode.” As for how successful the execution was, he wrote: “‘Prisoners of the Ghostland’ sparks with the thrill of watching two completely self-possessed artists share a vision. Even when nothing else in the film makes sense, the unhinged ethos of its own creation leaves a clue behind with the clarity of a body-chalk outline. So does the movie’s title: As much as this is a story about anything, it’s about breaking the shackles of where you’re from and finding new strength from the people you meet along the way.”

In addition to Cage as the aptly named Hero, the international cast includes indie favorites such as “Atomic Blonde” and “Climax” star Sofia Boutella, prolific horror actor Bill Moseley, venerated director and film royalty Nick Cassavetes, “Deadpool” actor Ed Skrein, newcomer Yuzuka Nakaya, and martial artist Tak Sakaguchi. “Prisoners of the Ghostland” should continue Cage’s recent run of ndie hits that have further cemented him as one of the most unpredictable actors working today. Following an underground hit with the 2018 cult film “Mandy,” Cage is earning early awards buzz this year for his turn as an Oregonian truffle hunter in search of his beloved pig in “Pig.” Though the premise may sound similar, his recent releases are two very different movies. RLJE Films will release “Prisoners of the Ghostland” in theaters and on demand on September 17. Check out the first official trailer below.

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