IMDb 7.5 2019 HD

Waves

Waves

2019
Drama Romance
136 min R USA
7.366 / 10
7.5 IMDB

A controlling father’s attempts to ensure that his two children succeed in high school backfire after his son experiences a career-ending sports injury. Their familial bonds are eventually…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Eric LaFranchi / Ryan McInerney / Alicia Triana Tabeau / Trey Edward Shults
Starring
Kelvin Harrison / Taylor Russell / Renée Elise Goldsberry / Sterling K. Brown / Lucas Hedges / Alexa Demie / Neal Huff / Clifton Collins Jr.

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

intense emotional tragic powerful raw beautiful challenging moving hopeful heartbreaking affecting resonant

Reviews

J
Jasmine Kaur
Apr 8, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

'Waves' is a masterclass in emotional filmmaking, a poignant and powerful depiction of a family's descent into crisis and their arduous journey towards recovery. The director’s confident hand is evident in the film’s stunning visual composition and its…

A
Alistair Finch
Apr 8, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This is a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, sometimes to its detriment. 'Waves' delves into the complex dynamics of a family torn apart by a tragic event, driven by a father's controlling nature. Kelvin Harrison…

S
Sophia Chen
Apr 8, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A visceral and often heartbreaking exploration of love, loss, and the crushing weight of expectation, 'Waves' is a film that washes over you with its intensity. The performances from the young cast, particularly Taylor Russell, are outstanding, conveying…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Apr 8, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

'Waves' attempts to capture the seismic shifts that can fracture a family, and in moments, it succeeds with raw power. Sterling K. Brown and Renée Elise Goldsberry are commendable as parents grappling with their son's devastating injury, their…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 8, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Director Unknown crafts a visually arresting and emotionally charged drama in 'Waves'. Kelvin Harrison and Taylor Russell anchor the film with performances that are both vulnerable and fierce, navigating a narrative fraught with familial pressure and sudden tragedy.…

FAQs

The soundtrack in 'Waves' is an integral part of its storytelling, working in tandem with the visuals to create a powerful emotional resonance. It's not merely background music; rather, it actively shapes the mood and amplifies the feelings of the characters and the audience. The careful selection and placement of music underscore moments of joy, tension, and profound sadness, contributing significantly to the film's overall immersive and impactful viewing experience.