Waves

Waves is an award-winning cinematic masterpiece released in 2019 and directed by Trey Edward Shults. Constructed around two separate narratives, Waves is a stirring family drama that takes viewers on a resonating journey through the human emotions experienced by an African-American family in suburban Florida.

Waves adopts a naturalistic style that epitomizes the concept of cinema's intimate involvement with the characters’ on-screen lives. The movie's narrative adapts a unique and engaging narrative of storytelling, splitting the plot into two parts each uniquely focusing on different members of the Williams family.

The first half of the movie revolves around Tyler, a talented high school wrestler, impressively played by Kelvin Harrison Jr. He is the confident, popular teenager who appears to have it all. However, underneath this alluring exterior lie the pressures of a young man burdened by enormous expectations from his domineering father, Ronald, played by the fabulous Sterling K. Brown. Ronald wants nothing but the best for his son, who trains him vigorously both physically and mentally to achieve heights that might be beyond Tyler's immediate reach, thereby leaping across the line between tough love and destructiveness.

Tyler's mother, portrayed by Renée Elise Goldsberry, is seemingly invisible in the decision-making process of Tyler's life, busy in her hospital work, leaving Tyler's life dominated by his father's ambitions. Moreover, Tyler is also burdened by his hidden shoulder injury, making it harder to maintain his status as a top-rate wrestler, a secret he has kept hidden from his parents. His life gets even more complicated when issues arise in his relationship with his girlfriend Alexis, a character beautifully delivered by Alexa Demie. As events escalate within the first half, viewers witness the character's escalating tensions, leading to a tragic climax that shakes the family's foundations.

In the second part of the movie, the narrative shifts and we are now guided by Emily, Tyler's younger, quieter sister thoughtfully played by Taylor Russell. Emily is a complete contrast to Tyler’s character, who is low-key, mundane, and has been mostly aloof in the initial part. Still grappling with her brother's story, Emily is seen trying to heal and make sense of the broken family. In her emotional journey, Emily meets Luke played by Lucas Hedges, a classmate who’s going through his struggle. Their relationship allows Emily to break out of her shell, giving Luke and Emily the space to heal and grow together.

The hallmark of Waves is its commendable framing and transitioning of scenes. The aspect ratio of the film narrows progressively during Tyler’s story, mimicking his increasing feelings of being trapped and suffocated. This proceeds to open up during Emily’s narrative, symbolizing her emotional awakening and expansion.

The visceral score of Waves composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is a fundamental part of the movie, and in some sections, it becomes a character of its own, amplifying the movie's emotional intensity. Waves also ensures a distinctive visual experience through its color grading and lighting that seemed to reflect the emotional temperature of the situation or the character. The colors are more saturated during the day representing the family's seemingly perfect life, which dulls down to almost monochromatic during the night, signifying the family's hidden problems.

Waves makes a potent statement about love, forgiveness, responsibility, and healing. It delves into the narrative of portraying the risks of applying excessive pressure on youngsters to excel, and the emotional perils of maintaining high standards for success while not communicating about feelings of suffocation and despair. Simultaneously, it portrays how the layers of guilt, sorrow, and regret are peeled away by the healing process of forgiveness.

Indeed, Waves is a raw and unflinching portrait of a family that balances its hard-hitting dramatic narrative with subtle nuances of love, healing, and redemption. It captures audiences with an immersive experience through its excellent direction, acting performances, cinematography, and the unforgettable score. While carefully put within its running time, the film presents an exhilarating roller coaster of emotions, giving each one its due time and significance. Waves make certain to hit you hard, leave you awestruck, and eventually awaken a newfound feeling of empathy for its beautiful characters.