The 2019 film Waves, written and directed by Trey Edward Shults, stands as a visceral, neon-soaked exploration of grief, pressure, and eventual redemption. Released by A24, it tells the story of the Williams family—a middle-class African-American family living in South Florida whose lives are irrevocably altered by a series of tragic decisions. The film is famous for its bifurcated structure, its experimental use of shifting aspect ratios, and a powerhouse performance by an ensemble cast including Kelvin Harrison Jr., Taylor Russell, and Sterling K. Brown.

The Two-Act Narrative of Waves

One of the most striking elements of Waves is its unconventional structure. Rather than a traditional three-act play, Shults divides the film into two distinct halves that mirror one another in terms of emotional intensity and cinematic style.

The Downward Spiral of Tyler Williams

The first hour of the film focuses on Tyler (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a high school wrestling star who lives under the immense pressure of his domineering father, Ronald (Sterling K. Brown). Tyler’s life is a kinetic blur of wrestling matches, parties with his girlfriend Alexis (Alexa Demie), and late-night drives. However, this momentum is fragile. When a shoulder injury threatens his athletic career and his girlfriend reveals an unplanned pregnancy, Tyler’s inability to process failure leads to an explosive act of violence.

This half of the movie feels like a pressure cooker. The camera is restless, often circling the characters in 360-degree shots that mimic Tyler’s spiraling mental state. The colors are saturated, and the music is loud, capturing the heightened emotions of adolescence where every setback feels like the end of the world.

Emily’s Path to Healing

Following a devastating mid-point tragedy, the perspective shifts entirely to Emily (Taylor Russell), Tyler’s younger sister. While the first half is about the "wave" crashing down, the second half is about the slow, painful process of the water receding.

Emily, who was largely a background character in Tyler’s story, becomes the emotional anchor of the film. We witness her isolation and the fractured state of her parents' marriage. Her journey toward healing begins when she meets Luke (Lucas Hedges), a kind-hearted classmate. This portion of the film is quieter, more observational, and ultimately hopeful. It focuses on the possibility of forgiveness—not just for Tyler, but for a family trying to find a way to breathe again.

Understanding the Shifting Aspect Ratios in Waves

For cinephiles and technical observers, Waves is a masterclass in using the frame size as a narrative tool. Director Trey Edward Shults and cinematographer Drew Daniels utilized shifting aspect ratios to physically manifest the characters' internal psychological states.

  • 1.85:1 to 2.39:1: The film begins in a standard widescreen format, representing the openness of Tyler’s initial prospects.
  • The Compression (1.33:1): As Tyler’s secrets mount and his world begins to close in on him, the frame literally shrinks. By the peak of his crisis, the image is a square (1.33:1), creating a feeling of claustrophobia and entrapment. The audience feels the walls closing in just as Tyler does.
  • The Expansion: In the second half of the film, as Emily begins to find love and reconciliation, the frame gradually opens back up. This visual expansion symbolizes her emotional liberation and the broadening of her world after the stifling silence of grief.

This technique, while experimental, serves a deeply emotional purpose. It isn't just a gimmick; it is an immersive experience that forces the viewer to share the character’s physical sense of space.

The Burden of Fatherhood: Ronald Williams

Sterling K. Brown delivers one of the most complex portrayals of fatherhood in modern cinema as Ronald Williams. Ronald is not a villain; he is a man who loves his children deeply but expresses that love through a lens of relentless excellence.

In a pivotal scene, Ronald tells Tyler, "We do not have the luxury of being average." This line encapsulates the specific pressures faced by middle-class Black families who feel they must work twice as hard to achieve and maintain their status. Ronald’s "tough love" backfires because it leaves no room for Tyler to admit weakness or injury.

The film's exploration of toxic masculinity is subtle. It suggests that Ronald’s inability to show vulnerability directly influenced Tyler’s inability to handle his own failures. However, the film also offers Ronald a path to redemption in the second half, where we see him broken and finally willing to admit his mistakes to Emily.

A Technical Marvel: Cinematography and Sound

The Visual Palette of South Florida

The setting of South Florida is essential to the identity of Waves. Shot on the ARRI Alexa Mini with various Panavision lenses, the film captures the humid, vibrant aesthetic of the region. The lighting transitions from the neon pinks and blues of the night scenes to the naturalistic, sun-drenched hues of the Everglades. The environment feels lived-in and authentic, providing a stark contrast to the internal turmoil of the characters.

The Soundscape of Reznor and Ross

The soundtrack of Waves is as important as the dialogue. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross provide a haunting, industrial score that underscores the tension of the first half and the melancholy of the second.

Interspersed with the score is a curated selection of contemporary music that speaks to the characters' souls. Tracks from Frank Ocean, Tame Impala, Animal Collective, and Kanye West are used not just as background music, but as narrative devices. For instance, the use of Frank Ocean's "Seigfried" during a moment of profound introspection provides a lyrical depth that dialogue alone could not achieve.

Performance Analysis: The Breakout of Taylor Russell

While Kelvin Harrison Jr. is electrifying in the film’s first act, Waves ultimately belongs to Taylor Russell. Her performance is a study in quiet resilience. She conveys worlds of pain through a simple glance or a shift in posture.

The chemistry between Russell and Lucas Hedges provides the film with its much-needed warmth. Their road trip to Missouri in the final act allows the film to transition from a Florida-centric family tragedy into a broader American story of reconciliation. Russell’s ability to carry the heavy emotional weight of the film’s conclusion is what makes Waves stay with the audience long after the credits roll.

Comparing Waves to Other A24 Dramas

When discussing Waves, it is impossible not to compare it to other landmark A24 films like Moonlight or Euphoria (the latter sharing cast member Alexa Demie). Like Moonlight, Waves is deeply concerned with the intersection of Black identity and emotional vulnerability. However, Waves is more kinetic and stylistically aggressive.

While Moonlight uses a triptych structure to show a single life, Waves uses its dual-narrative to show the ripple effects of a single action across an entire family. It is a more chaotic film, perhaps reflecting the messy, unpredictable nature of trauma.

The Impact of the Film's Conclusion

The ending of Waves is intentionally open-ended but leans toward a "full circle" resolution. We see Emily riding her bike, arms outstretched, echoing a shot of Tyler from the beginning of the film. This visual callback suggests that while the family is forever changed, life continues. The "waves" of the title represent both the destructive force of tragedy and the rhythmic, healing nature of time.

The final shot doesn't erase the tragedy of the first half, but it asserts that the Williams family—and Emily specifically—will no longer be defined solely by that tragedy.

FAQ about the Movie Waves

Is Waves based on a true story?

No, Waves is not based on one specific true story. Director Trey Edward Shults has stated that the film is highly personal and draws from his own experiences with family dynamics, sports pressure, and his relationship with his father. However, the specific plot points are fictional.

Why does the screen size change in Waves?

As discussed in the "Visual Language" section, the aspect ratio changes to reflect the emotional state of the characters. A smaller, square frame represents feeling trapped or overwhelmed, while a wider frame represents freedom and emotional clarity.

Where can I watch Waves?

Waves is currently available for streaming on various platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and A24’s own screening room, depending on your region. It is also a frequent inclusion on platforms like Max (formerly HBO Max).

What is the significance of the 360-degree shots?

Director Trey Edward Shults used 360-degree spinning camera movements during car scenes to create a sense of disorientation and intimacy. These shots immerse the viewer in the character's world, making them feel like a passenger in the car during pivotal moments of joy or terror.

What is the meaning behind the title Waves?

The title refers to the cyclical nature of life’s challenges and the way emotions move through us. It also nods to the Florida setting and the idea that one person’s actions create "ripples" that affect everyone around them.

Summary of the Film’s Legacy

Waves remains one of the most ambitious films of the late 2010s. Though it was a "box office bomb" in traditional terms, its critical reputation has only grown. It is a film that demands to be felt rather than just watched. Through its daring technical choices and deeply human performances, it offers a profound meditation on how families break apart and how, with enough time and compassion, they might begin to put the pieces back together. Whether you are a fan of A24’s aesthetic or simply looking for a powerful domestic drama, Waves is a cinematic experience that resonates long after the final frame.