Review
Waves (Romance, Drama) (2019)
Director: Trey Edward Shults
Writer: Trey Edward Shults
Stars: Taylor Russell, Alexa Demie, Sterling K. Brown, Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Lives are forever altered as a suburban family manoeuvres itself through the tragic results of their son's behaviour.
Akin to Trey Edward Schults' previous features, "Waves" highlights psychological themes in a coming-of-age drama this time. There wasn't any intention towards a particular ethnicity or specific actors, as the director hadn't envisioned any specifics of this nature—instead allowing a more natural casting process. It was produced by Guy Grand Productions and JW Films while being distributed by Focus Features, Universal Pictures and A24.
After an unfortunate, career-threatening injury, Tyler Williams (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is set to be sidelined from his high school wrestling team. Concealing his diagnosis and secretly consuming pain medication causes his life to spiral. Even his girlfriend Alexis (Alexa Demie) is pushed away, dealing with worries all her own, revealing to be pregnant with Tyler's child, which he is unable to cope with. Increasingly tempestuous behaviour slowly becomes evident to the Williams family. However, it might be too late as they soon have to come to terms with a dark mark left imprinted on their household.
In a feature that transcends the usually seen hallmarks of coming-of-age dramas, Shults portrays the utmost hardship, peering into the thoughts and fragile dispositions of those suffering through unexpected events and sheltering themselves from past trauma.
Through carefree and youthful introductions, supported by unique free-flowing camerawork and a supplementary soundtrack, this rapidly proves an illusion we'd prefer, as life's challenges aren't as easily overcome by some. "Waves" is aptly named for moving through those emotions and frustrations as Harrison Jr.'s Tyler consumes himself, allowing self-destructive thoughts to take a firm hold. This double-edged sword manages to provide a semblance of sympathy yet proves to be hard to come by; each bad decision drives further away from said empathetic notions, and with Tyler circling the drain, even his parent and step-mom are made to question where they went wrong and if forgiveness is truly too late. That is when a pivot is made, and an opposite feature unveils itself, united in past torment yet disparate and untied to the story we saw before. 
These waves of emotional torment inevitably crash into the shore, yet as is nature, they slowly retreat into the sea. Shults captures an unavoidable event and keeps his film focused where it needs to be. It's a tough feature, as it is genuinely engaging, and a conclusion is never an end—life moves on. The eventual pivot allows fresh emotions and a safer choice than focusing on Tyler's life in prison. Seeing how Russell's Emily deals with the fallout of her brother's actions is enlightening; becoming entangled in a relationship herself, caring deeply to avoid her family's mistakes as a more gentle individual.
What would always be a specific genre for a particular audience sees one of the best depictions. I'd recommend "Waves" for a younger audience intrigued by more thought-provoking and dismal tales, although there are lessons for parents too—not to ignore the signs, and instead of trying to control them, allow them space and communicate. Much of this A24 presentation is meant to have an emotional impact, which sadly felt empty, having to strain myself to allow those emotions which were mainly hampered by our main character, that said performances are genuinely well-done, playing to each actors strengths while furthering the story as a whole, I just wish it connected a bit more pieces.
Verdict
Glistening waves rushing towards uncertain shores.
8,0
