Waves (2019)

Waves is an emotionally powerful drama from director Trey Edward Shults set in vibrant South Florida. The film follows a suburban African‑American family led by a well‑intentioned but domineering father as they struggle with the pressures of ambition, love and control. When a tragedy upends their lives, the family is forced to confront grief, guilt and the hard work of forgiveness. Viewers can expect a visceral, immersive experience: a kinetic, sun‑drenched first half that captures the intensity of youth, sport and family expectations, followed by a quieter, heartrending second half that traces the aftermath of loss and the slow, fragile process of healing. Shults’ confident direction, a striking visual palette and an affecting ensemble cast combine to make the story feel immediate and raw. The film is at once unsettling and compassionate, asking audiences to sit with uncomfortable emotions before offering a sense of empathy and possibility. If you watch Waves you’ll leave moved — shaken by its realism, impressed by its performances and cinematography, and ultimately seeing a portrait of a family learning how to forgive, rebuild and find connection after devastation.

Actors: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucas Hedges, Taylor Russell

Director: Trey Edward Shults

Runtime: 135 min

Genres: Drama, Romance, Sport

6.5 /10 80 /100 7.5 /10 7.3 /10