Waves Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A wrestler throws his life away, and then his sister goes on a road trip; it’s basically ‘Boyhood’ but with more questionable life choices.

🍿 Waves: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Tyler’s Downward Spiral

Tyler Williams, a high school wrestler pressured by his father, hides a severe shoulder injury and self-medicates with painkillers. He faces further turmoil when his girlfriend, Alexis, becomes pregnant, leading to heated arguments and escalating tension. Tyler’s life spirals out of control as he grapples with his physical limitations, relationship issues, and the immense pressure from his father to succeed.

The Tragic Night

Driven to a breaking point, Tyler confronts Alexis at a party, fueled by jealousy and anger. An argument escalates into a physical altercation, resulting in Alexis’s accidental death. Tyler flees the scene, but is soon apprehended by the police. This pivotal event dramatically alters the course of the Williams family’s lives, setting off a chain of emotional consequences.

Emily’s Journey of Healing

The film shifts focus to Emily, Tyler’s younger sister, as she navigates grief and societal judgment. She finds solace in a budding romance with Luke, who is dealing with his own family issues. Emily encourages Luke to reconcile with his dying father, leading them on a road trip that promotes healing and forgiveness. The second half explores themes of empathy, understanding, and finding peace amidst tragedy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tyler (Kelvin Harrison Jr.): A high school wrestler whose life spirals out of control due to injury, pressure from his father, and a tumultuous relationship.
• Emily (Taylor Russell): Tyler’s younger sister who navigates grief, forgiveness, and newfound love in the aftermath of a family tragedy.
• Ronald (Sterling K. Brown): The well-intentioned but domineering father who pushes his son to succeed, leading to unintended consequences.
• Catherine (Renée Elise Goldsberry): Tyler’s stepmother who tries to connect with Tyler and supports Emily while dealing with the family’s crisis.
• Alexis (Alexa Demie): Tyler’s girlfriend whose pregnancy and subsequent conflict leads to tragic events.
• Luke (Lucas Hedges): Emily’s kindhearted boyfriend who helps her heal and cope with the loss and trauma.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ronald: “We are not afforded the luxury of being average.” – Ronald tells Tyler about the high expectations and pressure he puts on him due to their race.
• Ronald: “I don’t push you because I want to, I push you because I have to.” – Ronald explains his motivations for pushing Tyler so hard, revealing his belief that it’s necessary for Tyler’s success.
• Ronald: “You have so much love to share with the world and so much life yet to live.” – Ronald says this encouragingly to Emily.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,658,790
• Worldwide Gross: $2,576,990

💥 Waves Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I just finished watching Waves, and wow. What a ride. The first half? Intense. My heart was pounding. Kelvin Harrison Jr. was incredible. Then the shift in perspective completely caught me off guard. I found myself connecting with Emily and her journey. The scene where she visits Tyler in prison? Gut-wrenching. Honestly, it’s a film that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of A24 films”
  • “Viewers interested in family dramas”
  • “Audiences who appreciate unique cinematography and soundtracks”
  • “Those seeking thought-provoking and emotional stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Trey Edward Shults delivers a visually stunning and emotionally raw experience. Waves immerses you in the lives of its characters, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll. A must-see for those seeking authentic storytelling.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Waves is a beautifully crafted film about family, forgiveness, and the power of love in the face of tragedy. Sterling K. Brown delivers a standout performance, and the soundtrack elevates the film to another level.
• The Guardian: “A visually arresting film that tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and grace. While the narrative can feel disjointed at times, the performances and emotional depth make Waves a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The soundtrack perfectly captures the emotions of each scene.: Viewers praised the film’s immersive soundscape, which elevated the emotional impact of the story.

Sterling K. Brown’s performance is absolutely captivating.: Audiences were deeply moved by Brown’s portrayal of a complex father figure struggling with his own expectations.

Overall Consensus: A visually and emotionally powerful film that explores themes of family, forgiveness, and redemption, though some find the narrative structure uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Trey Edward Shults sent the script to Sterling K. Brown as a PDF with embedded music cues, varying font sizes and colors, and notes about aspect ratio changes to fully immerse him in the film’s unique style.”
• “The film features a dynamic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, known for their work on ‘The Social Network,’ contributing to the movie’s intense emotional atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch Waves?

Waves is available for streaming on platforms such as Showtime, Paramount+, and Fubo. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand via Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Waves, you might like these similar films:

• Moonlight (2016): Both films explore themes of identity, family dynamics, and the challenges of growing up in marginalized communities with a distinctive visual style.
• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with grief and family trauma. Both films explore how individuals cope with profound loss and attempt to find healing.
• The Place Beyond the Pines (2012): Features a narrative structure where the story shifts focus between different characters and their interconnected lives following a central tragedy.

🛒 Waves Related Products

• Waves [Original Soundtrack] – Vinyl: Experience the movie’s emotional journey through Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s score. This vinyl edition is a collector’s dream.
• Waves (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed film in stunning high definition with bonus features and behind-the-scenes content. A must-have for any film enthusiast.
• Waves Movie Poster: The iconic film poster is a great way to show off your love for the film! This high quality poster is sure to enhance any room in your house
• Waves (A24) – T-Shirt: Show your love for one of the most thought provoking A24 films ever made with an official movie t-shirt

🎧 Soundtrack

Waves features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Seigfried” – performed by Frank Ocean
• “FloriDada” – performed by Animal Collective
• “I Am a God” – performed by Kanye West
• “Godspeed” – performed by Frank Ocean

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why do A24 Films look like that?

Ever wondered why A24 movies just *feel* different? This video breaks down their unique visual style, and honestly, after watching it, you’ll notice the subtle cues in ‘Waves’ that make it such a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. It’s like unlocking a secret level of appreciation!

Waves reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want a really insightful take on ‘Waves’? Mark Kermode’s review is spot-on, diving into the emotional core and artistic choices of the movie. Even if you disagree with his final verdict, it’s a thought-provoking watch that will definitely give you a new perspective!

✨ Rate