Waves is a 2019 American drama film written, co-produced & directed by Trey Edward Shults, Kevin Turen, and Jessica Row.

It tells a story about Tyler –a budding high-school sports star– who wrestles with his emotions after severely injuring himself following his overbearing father’s pressure on him to excel. His relationship with his family deteriorates even more, when an unexpected tragedy strikes him and his girlfriend.

The movie highlights the effect of parental pressure on children who are forced to live up to unrealistic expectations. We can see this most glaringly in how Tyler’s relationship with his father has been affected by the pressure to perform at the cost of his own happiness and well-being. Waves explores deeper themes like toxic masculinity, family relationships and grief.

It shows how decisions and the consequences don’t only ever affect us but also affect those around us.

We saw Emily (Tyler’s Sister) detach herself from society in the movie, and even when she finds love, she is extremely wary.

Waves doesn’t shy away from any hard topics—you can tell it’s based on real-life experiences—and that’s what makes it so great. It is real, raw, and will make you feel things! In short, It is a heart-wrenching look at the fragility of life and how even when everything seems to be going well, one bad decision can change everything. From the choice of music to the brilliant and heartfelt performance of Kelvin Harrison Jr. Lucas Hedges, Taylor Russell, Alexa Demie, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Sterling K. Brown, it’s easy to see that everybody played their part exceptionally.

Waves is streaming on Netflix.

Boluwatife Adesina
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Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.