7.1
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The Wave
1981·Movie
·44min·
The Wave fingerprint
Strong craft.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline4
- Scare3
Heart
Cathartic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
- Catharsis9
- Pathos8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
Some satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody6
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
A real life story, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Wave is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumCathartic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's cathartic, moving, and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Catharsis9Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
World
MediumA real life story, society, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around a real life story, society, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational10Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
A teacher conducts an experiment in an American high school where students learn how easy it is to be seduced by the same social forces which led to the horrors of Nazi Germany.
Historical DramaSocial ExperimentMoral ExaminationCautionary TaleThought-ProvokingPsychological ImpactClassroom SettingBased on True StoryTragedy
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Wave
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Wave worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.1 and Metacritic 90). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Wave?
0 h 44 min
The Wave runs 0 h 44 min.
Is The Wave based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Wave?
Critics90
Audiences67
Not quite. Critics rate The Wave higher (90) than audiences (67). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Wave in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Wave?
3
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Wave in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.