Waves, directed by Trey Edward Shults, is one of the best movies I’ve watched this year. Unlike other movies, Waves is very realistic. The cast all played their parts extremely well. This could possibly be because they have experienced a time in their lives when a bad decision was made based on their feelings or stressful events. This made movie viewers feel like they were in the film along with the cast, especially teens or young adults who were watching. This film is best to watch for those age groups because they can relate to similar events that could be occurring in their lives. Each character represented in the film is well-written, allowing viewers to understand distinctive motives and beliefs. The actors also performed sympathetically and compellingly, truly bringing these characters to life, which only enhances the viewing experience.
Tyler Williams, a popular High School student, spends his time wrestling, with his girlfriend, and partying with friends. Life seemed to be going great for Tyler until a freak accident led to a drastic downhill spiral. As a result, he faces consequences that permanently change the course of the story leaving viewers intrigued and wondering what twist will occur next.
Another great feature of this film is how it incorporates life aspects. The purpose of this movie was to relate to teens and explain how each teen endures life differently. It shows that not everyone is the same and in order to keep or build on your relationships; you have to be considerate of others’ feelings as well as your own.
The second half of this film had a major twist that left me astounded. After an unforeseen event happens to Tyler, the mood of the film changes until a shocking event makes the film more lively. Other characters in the film take this event and use it to push themselves harder while not getting lost in the process. The characters show that life isn’t over just because there are setbacks. This makes the film even more interesting than it has been previously.
All American is very similar to Waves. Waves is a singular movie whereas All American is a series. In both films, the main character plays sports, has a girlfriend, and parties with their friends. They also both seem to be having a “perfect life” until drastic events happen causing them to lose themselves as well as lose hope in life, seemingly forcing them to make irrational decisions that don’t work in their favor. The difference in the films is their lives turn out very differently. Spencer James from All American caught his mistakes before it was too late, but unfortunately for Tyler Williams, it was too late for him. Both films are displayed in a realistic way that relates to teenage problems and have similar messages.
Waves has a very deep meaning. This film provides life lessons relating to how many teenagers today feel regarding their emotions and daily struggles. It goes in-depth about how people respond to stress and how important events can cause people to lose control of their emotions and themselves. Some make irresponsible decisions while in an out-of-control state. This could lead to life-changing consequences that people don’t think about until the moment it’s too late. The film also demonstrates how struggles that people face in life can be used to push them to do greater things, while not letting their struggles define who they are.
I highly recommend this film, it provides people with the ability to feel sympathy. The film can be watched during any state of emotion due to its ability to make people feel a ray of emotions. There are some comical moments, but for the most part, the movie is very logical. It makes viewers reflect on their own lives as well as others’ lives. Each person is different based on their struggles, lifestyles, and breaking points people face during a period in their life. It makes viewers consider how well they’re doing in life and what they could do better in an attempt to not lose control.
