Waves
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 placed under severe strain by an unexpected tragedy.
Critics Sentiment
Tyler kills Alexis Lopez at house party after violent confrontation
Emily Williams starts dating Luke after Tyler's life sentence
The film drops dramatically from the intense tragedy of Tyler killing Alexis to the slower-paced romantic drama of Emily and Luke's relationship.
Waves builds to a devastating emotional climax with Tyler's tragic downfall that critics universally praised as intense and masterful. The film then shifts dramatically to Emily's quieter story, which divided reviewers between those who found it boring and those who appreciated the structural ambition. The film ultimately recovers with a cathartic and beautifully crafted ending that provides meaningful closure.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 33
Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Tyler
Taylor Russell
Emily
Renée Elise Goldsberry
Catharine
Sterling K. Brown
Ronald
Lucas Hedges
Luke
Alexa Demie
Alexis
Neal Huff
Bill
Clifton Collins Jr.
Bobby
Krisha Fairchild
English Teacher
Ruben E. A. Brown
Wally
Joshua Brockington
Stan
Vivi Pineda
Elena
David Garelik
Ryan
Bill Wise
Coach Wise
Harmony Korine
Mr. Stanley
Holland Hayes
Doctor Steve
Justin R. Chan
Chang
Albert Link
Minister
David Payton
Security Guard
Lulu Braha
Protestor
Crew
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