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The epic emotional journey of a suburban African-American family as they come together after a loss—a heartrending story of compassion in dark times.
Where to Watch Waves
- Ravi Oliveira20h agoSynopsis: An epic emotional journey of a Black American family grappling with a tragic loss that profoundly affects their lives, as they navigate feelings of love, forgiveness, and unity. Review: "Waves" stands out for its emotional and visual approach, presenting a narrative that is both intense and reflective regarding family relationships in times of crisis. The first act introduces us to the life of Tyler, a young wrestler buckling under the pressure of a demanding father. Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s performance is remarkable, capturing the internal struggle of an athlete facing a critical juncture in his life. The portrayal of the father-son relationship rooted in high expectations and strict discipline is profound, prompting reflection on the demands society often places on young people. The tension and Tyler’s disastrous choices are delivered with powerful impact, culminating in a tragedy that triggers significant shifts in the family dynamic. Here, the narrative is vibrant, driven by a soundtrack that blends original compositions by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross with music that resonates with the energy of youth and pain, creating an almost palpable atmosphere. The second act, shifting focus to Tyler’s sister, Emily, brings to the fore deep grief and a reflection on the search for love and forgiveness. The transition is bold, though it may leave the audience feeling as though the pace has slowed. While Emily’s emotional depth is explored, the narrative can feel somewhat sluggish following the intensity of the first act. This change in rhythm while contemplative may not hold the viewer's attention quite as effectively, resulting in an experience that some might find less engaging. Visually, the film is a work of art. Its innovative aesthetic is defined by shifting aspect ratios and the use of saturated neon colors, which help to viscerally convey the characters' emotional states. The intelligent use of the camera, featuring 360-degree movements, contributes to an immersive experience, plunging the viewer into the characters' internal and external tensions. Ultimately, "Waves"is a cinematic experience that challenges the viewer to contemplate the complexities of family life, love, and resilience. The combination of captivating performances, a powerful soundtrack, and an innovative visual aesthetic creates a film that is both an emotional journey and a reflection on the waves of life. However, the slower pace of the second act may leave viewers missing the energy found in earlier sequences, resulting in a mixed impression of the narrative as a whole.
- cultfilmlikerAugust 20, 2025🎶 Don’t leave 🎶 Another absolutely stunning choice for 4K. The frantic camerawork can be a little much at times but it looks very good!! The score is incredible as always with those guys… Was NOT ready for the Clams / A$AP drop. Got transported back to 2013 real quick And then “IFHY”!? Fucking “GHOST!”?!!?! Finish it off with Animal Collective why don’t ya I can’t not mention the Frank Ocean song quoting Elliott Smith with Alex G guitar on it tho 💕💕💕💕 good god Okay seriously tho the whole soundtrack could have been curated by me. Absolutely ridiculous. Between this and his debut film channeling my deepest anxieties, I feel we relate more than I’m okay with WHERE IS THIS SWIMMING HOLE
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Waves was released on December 6, 2019.
Waves was directed by Trey Edward Shults.
Waves has a runtime of 2h 16m.
Waves was produced by Kevin Turen, Trey Edward Shults, James Wilson.
The epic emotional journey of a suburban African-American family as they come together after a loss—a heartrending story of compassion in dark times.
The key characters in Waves are Tyler (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), Emily (Taylor Russell), Catharine (Renée Elise Goldsberry).
Waves is rated R.
Waves is a Drama, Romance, Sport film.
Waves has an audience rating of 8.1 out of 10.
Waves had a budget of $6M.
Waves has made $2.6M at the box office.