Waves

What is the movie about?

Waves (2019), directed by Trey Edward Shults, is a powerful drama about family, love, and forgiveness. Set in South Florida, it follows an African American family through a series of events that test their bonds and resilience.

The first half focuses on Tyler (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a high school wrestler under intense pressure from his father (Sterling K. Brown) and himself. After a personal crisis, his life spirals tragically out of control, impacting the entire family. The second half shifts to Tyler’s sister Emily (Taylor Russell), who embarks on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and love.

TW: domestic abuse and violence

Some interesting facts

Waves (2019), directed by Trey Edward Shults, is a deeply personal and experimental film that captures the emotional highs and lows of family dynamics. Shults, drawing from his own experiences growing up, crafted a story filled with authenticity and emotional depth, which resonates deeply with viewers.

The film is divided into two distinct halves, each focusing on a different family member—Tyler in the first half and Emily in the second. This unique narrative structure mirrors the emotional shifts within the family after a tragic event, providing a powerful exploration of grief and redemption.

The haunting and atmospheric music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross plays a crucial role in amplifying the emotional intensity of the film, heightening the impact of key moments. Meanwhile, Drew Daniels’ cinematography is widely praised for its striking use of lighting and vibrant color palettes. The film seamlessly transitions between moments of intensity and serenity, visually mirroring the emotional tone of the story.

Why should you watch the movie?

Waves (2019) is a must-watch for anyone interested in powerful emotional storytelling and complex character development. The film offers an intimate and raw portrayal of a family grappling with trauma, love, and loss. It immerses viewers in the highs and lows of life, allowing them to connect deeply with the characters’ struggles and triumphs. I recommend this movie for viewers aged 13 and up due to trigger warnings for domestic abuse and violence.

What first grabbed my attention about Waves was its striking color palettes. The colors fit perfectly with the emotions portrayed by the actors, enhancing the emotional depth of each scene. The film’s cinematography, combined with its evocative score, creates an atmosphere that draws you into the story, making every moment feel impactful.

Waves explores universal themes such as parental pressure, forgiveness, and the power of connection. These themes resonate with many, making the story feel deeply relatable. The movie is split into two parts, each focusing on a different character’s perspective, giving a more nuanced view of the family’s struggles and the emotional impact of the events that unfold.

Although the film deals with intense loss, guilt, and trauma, it ultimately centers on healing and redemption. It explores how people cope with their past mistakes and move forward, offering a hopeful message by the end. Trey Edward Shults and the cast handled the difficult subject with nuance and sensitivity, allowing the audience to experience the emotional journey in an authentic and impactful way.

If you’re drawn to films that explore complex emotions, the fragility of relationships, and the search for redemption, Waves is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Memorable quotes from the movie

Your sentence is almost well-written but could benefit from minor adjustments for clarity and flow. Here’s a refined version:

“Each of these quotes encapsulates the movie’s themes of love, forgiveness, family, and the challenges of healing from trauma. Now, it’s up to you to experience it in full.”

• “Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not rude. It keeps no record of wrongs.” (Emily)
• “You can’t change the past, but you can choose what to do with the present.” (Catherine)
• “We’re not perfect. None of us are. We’re just trying to do the best we can.” (Emily)
• “What you choose to do with your pain matters.” (Ronald)