7.1
Where can I stream The First Wave legally?
The First Wave is included with a subscription to Hulu in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The First Wave
2021·Movie
The First Wave fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension8
- Fast Pace8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, a real life story, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and characters
- Acting9
- Direction8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
The First Wave is tense, fast-paced, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare4Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, a real life story, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, a real life story, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and characters
The performances, direction, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-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
Four months, New York City, 2020.
When Covid-19 hit New York City in 2020, filmmaker Matthew Heineman gained unique access to one of New York’s hardest-hit hospital systems. The resulting film focuses on the doctors, nurses, and patients on the frontlines during the “first wave” from March to June 2020. Their distinct storylines each serve as a microcosm to understand how the city persevered through the worst pandemic in a century
COVID-19 PandemicNYCHealthcare WorkersDocumentaryEmotionalRawHospitalFrontlinesFirst Wave
Crew
Directed 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 First Wave
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The First Wave worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 98%, and Metacritic 85). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The First Wave rated?
RDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The First Wave?
1 h 34 min
The First Wave runs 1 h 34 min.
Is The First 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 First Wave?
Critics92
Audiences69
Not quite. Critics rate The First Wave higher (92) than audiences (69). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The First Wave in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The First Wave?
60
+46
+46GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The First Wave in 60 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.