An American film by Trey Edward Shults.
The film Waves has been shown in 2019 at several film festival, and received critical acclaim. Now it is being released in some countries, so that it's possible for a wider audience to see it where cinemas have reopened. It tells a family story in Florida, which is deeply moving and a magical visual experience.
Waves is only the third full-length film by young director Trey Edward Shults, and has received critical acclaim. For me (and doubtlessly for others too), this film was automatically on my watch list because of actor Sterling K. Brown. Having delivered stunning performances on TV for years and getting more roles on the big screen as well, his name has begun to receive increasing attention. Until now, he has won a Golden Globe and an Emmy, and garnered countless nominations for his roles in American Crime Story and This Is Us.
In Waves, Sterling K. Brown once again plays an intense and conflicted character. He is the father of two in a Floridian family, who has high expectations and rules his household with an iron fist. His children, Emily and Tyler, are teenagers busy with their own issues such as relationships, school and ambitions in sports. When Tyler gets into a difficult situation, the lives of all family members changes forever. The characters are vividly shown in all their complexities, and the script includes several surprises which are very well executed.
The strengths of the film are the beautiful cinematography with wonderful colors and unusual shots, and the performances of all actors. The young generation shines, with Emily and Tyler being portrayed by Taylor Russell and Kelvin Harrison Jr, as well as Lucas Hedges and Alexa Demie as other teenagers. The parents, Renée Elise Goldberg and Sterling K. Brown, add to the number of touching performances.
Overall, this is a film which is not easy to watch because of the intense content, but it’s very rewarding. Several elements are reminiscent of Moonlight (2016), from the Southern American world to some artistic choices to the emotional content; which is definitely a compliment to Waves.
