7.5
Where can I stream Waves legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Waves fingerprint
Stunning style, high energy, no humor.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
- Violence6
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos9
- Coming of Age9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
- Situational Comedy0
World
Family, everyday modern life, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
- Character Depth10
- Direction9
- Acting9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Editing9
- Visual Stylization9
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
Waves is tense and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and hopeful. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
HighFamily, everyday modern life, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Sports6Competition, training, and teamwork.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
The characters, direction, and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative5Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-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
Love is patient.
A controlling father’s attempts to ensure that his two children succeed in high school backfire after his son experiences a career-ending sports injury. Their familial bonds are eventually placed under severe strain by an unexpected tragedy.
Intense Family DramaVisually StunningEmotional RollercoasterComing-of-Age TragedyContemporary RealismDeep Character StudyPowerful SoundtrackRedemption ArcHeartbreaking & Hopeful
Actors
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 Waves
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Waves worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 84%, and Metacritic 80). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Waves rated?
RViolenceStrong languageDrug useSexual content
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, drug use, and sexual content.
How long is Waves?
2 h 16 min
Waves runs 2 h 16 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Waves?
Critics82
Audiences76
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 76 out of 100, so both groups see Waves much the same way.
Was Waves a box office hit?
Budget$6 million
Box office$3 million
No. It cost about $6 million to make and earned $3 million worldwide, 43% of its budget.
What language is Waves in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Canada, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Waves?
80
+66
+66GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Waves in 80 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Waves use?
Abusive ParentsAccidental MurderAspect Ratio SwitchDisappeared DadSickening "Crunch!"Jump ScareTheir First TimeMissing MomDying ReconciliationRed Is ViolentSpeed SexGood Girls Avoid Abortionand 14 more
TV Tropes lists 26 storytelling tropes for Waves, including Abusive Parents, Accidental Murder, Aspect Ratio Switch.