I didn't know what to expect going in, but I immediately sensed that I had seen something special as soon as the credits rolled. It's difficult to discuss because the film doesn't adhere to a standard storyline. However, I think movies like this tend to linger with you longer, and the emotional impact will be remembered for years. Basically, I’ll attempt to stay focused while trying to explain it. ‘Waves’ is an incredibly powerful movie; a real punch to the gut. It's remarkably original in its filmmaking and overall presentation. From ‘It Comes At Night’ to ‘Waves’, Trey Edward Shults appears to be a director worth following. I still need to see ‘Krisha’. The way he tells stories, and his detailed exploration of these characters feels very real. It resonated with me emotionally. I appreciated how the aspect ratio shifted to reflect changes in tone. There's some impressive camera work throughout, but what stood out most was that whenever someone was driving, the camera would spin clockwise at the front – it brought to mind ‘It Follows’ and its clockwork-like movements. There were also moments of free-flowing camerawork reminiscent of Terrence Malick films. The acting and characters were all excellent. Sterling K. Brown gives a compelling performance as a strict, yet imperfect father whose parenting style is intensely demanding. He has a son and a daughter, but initially we primarily see him interacting with his son, pushing him to excel while seemingly unaware of the burden he's placing on his shoulders. We don’t see much of him with his daughter, and when we do, there’s a visible regretfulness on his face, as if realizing his mistakes is deeply painful for him. Taylor Russell, who is relatively new to film, truly shines as the emotional core of the family, which you later discover is from her perspective. Alexa Demie, Kelin Harrison Jr., and Renée Elise Goldsberry are also very good; their portrayals were both dynamic and emotionally devastating. Lucas Hedges is perfectly cast as a kind young man with an incredibly warm and inviting smile. There’s a lot of music by Frank Ocean and Radiohead, but it felt like something the characters would listen to rather than being chosen by the director. It effectively establishes the atmosphere. While there were times when the music felt excessive, it didn't detract from the overall experience. For some reason, this film reminded me of ‘Moonlight’. The best praise I can offer is that it’s completely unpredictable; I had no idea where it was headed. And it wasn’t just because I went in knowing nothing about it – the structure itself is surprising. It's a lengthy movie, but I remained invested throughout. What caught me off guard was how the film is constructed and how each section reveals a new chapter. The first act moves quickly, while the second feels almost like an entirely different film, with a mystical quality. Every choice the characters make has significant consequences for others. When emotional pain and tension build, expect it to come crashing down and completely overwhelm you. ‘Waves’ is fantastic, but deserves more recognition.

Source on TMDB