6.9
The Last Wave fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Scare6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Wondrous
- Wonder7
- Pathos6
- Melancholy5
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor5
- Absurdist Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
Mystery, the mind, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Ambiguity8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout characters
- Intrigue9
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Standout cinematography and sound design
- Cinematography8
- Sound Centrality8
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Last Wave is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighMystery, the mind, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around mystery, the mind, and crime. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Psychedelic7Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Last Wave
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Last Wave worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 78%, and Metacritic 85). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Last Wave rated?
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Last Wave?
1 h 46 min
The Last Wave runs 1 h 46 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Last Wave?
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 75 out of 100, so both groups see The Last Wave much the same way.
Was The Last Wave a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $825,000 to make and earned $2 million worldwide, 2.6 times its budget.
What language is The Last Wave in?
It was made in English. Produced in Australia.
In how many countries can I watch The Last Wave?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Last Wave in 11 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Last Wave use?
TV Tropes lists 29 storytelling tropes for The Last Wave, including All Myths Are True, Giant Wall of Watery Doom, Proper Lady.