Waves (2019)

Traces the journey of a suburban family - led by a well-intentioned but domineering father - as they navigate love, forgiveness, and coming together in the aftermath of a loss.

Director:

Trey Edward Shults

Writer:

Trey Edward Shults

Stars:

Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucas Hedges, Taylor Russell

14 wins & 38 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kelvin Harrison Jr.	...	Tyler
Lucas Hedges	...	Luke
Taylor Russell	...	Emily
Alexa Demie	...	Alexis
Renée Elise Goldsberry	...	Catherine
Sterling K. Brown	...	Ronald
Krisha Fairchild	...	English Teacher
Neal Huff	...	Bill
Clifton Collins Jr.	...	Bobby
Bill Wise	...	Coach Wise
David Garelik	...	Ryan
Justin R. Chan	...	Chang
Joshua Brockington	...	Stan
Albert Link	...	Minister
Vivi Pineda	...	Elena

Storyline

Set against the vibrant landscape of South Florida, and featuring an astonishing ensemble of award-winning actors and breakouts alike, Waves traces the epic emotional journey of a suburban African-American family - led by a well-intentional but domineering father - as they navigate love, forgiveness and coming together in the aftermath of a loss. From acclaimed director Trey Edward Shults, Waves is a heartrending story about the universal capacity for compassion and growth even in the darkest of times.

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Plot Keywords:

teenage pregnancy | manatee | african american | family relationships | father son relationship | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout, drug and alcohol use, some sexual content and brief violence-all involving teens

Did You Know?

Trivia

One major fan of this film is Hamilton (2020) co-star Leslie Odom Jr., who compared it to the Oscar-winning Korean phenom Parasite (2019) because "They're obviously both tremendous achievements in filmmaking. They both deal with class. They're both about messiness and the strengths of family. And both of the movies packed a genuine surprise for me." Also, "Waves" actress Renée Elise Goldsberry (Catherine) co-starred with Odom in "Hamilton" (and both studied theater at Carnege-Mellon University).

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Quotes

Ronald: You have so much love to share with the world and so much life yet to live.

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Connections

Featured in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Sterling K. Brown/Gilbert Gottfried/Derren Brown (2019)

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Soundtracks

Focus
Written by Darhyl Camper Jr. (as Darhyl Camper), Justin Love, H.E.R. (as Gabriella Wilson)
Performed by H.E.R.
Published by J Love Music (BMI) administered by Code Media (BMI), EMI April Music Inc. on behalf of itself and Campstar Music (ASCAP), Universal Music Corp. on behalf of itself, and I Am Her Publishing (ASCAP)
Courtesy of MBK Entertainment/RCA Records
By arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment

User Reviews

Waves of Emotions...Mostly Sad

Upon finally completing this ordeal, I was literally depressed. I have so much to say about Waves, but can't seem to find the words. So, I'll just say it was spectacularly acted, written, and directed. Shults was clearly inspired by the style of Malick, whom he's worked with on a number of occasions, but unlike Malick, he knows how to make his art entertaining. The only reason I gave this film a chance was that it had Lucas Hedges in it and he's yet to be in a bad picture, so I figured what the heck. Boy am I glad I gave it a shot, great film, better than I could've hoped for...highly recommended.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Instagram

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 November 2019 (USA)

Also Known As:

Waves

Filming Locations:

Florida, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$134,333, 17 November 2019

Gross USA:

$1,658,790

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,563,470

Company Credits

Production Co:

BRON Studios, JW Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Atmos

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1