Recently added to Netflix, the 2019 movie Waves has been gaining popularity online. It follows one teenage boy’s family as they recover and move forward through a devastating and shocking death that occurs under uncanny circumstances. Naturally, the idea of the movie interested me, so I curled up on my couch with a bag of popcorn and turned it on.

This movie, starring Kelvin Harrison Jr, Taylor Russell, and Alexa Demie, took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. While the movie doesn’t have a general and continuous path of plot points, the developments that occur are sure to keep watchers on the edge of their seat, whether they have a smile on their face or tears in their eyes. The main characters go through so many ups and downs, capturing the pure essence of what it means to be human, and finding the beauty even in its darkest parts.

The movie starts off dealing with heavy topics, which may be warned against for viewers sensitive to domestic abuse or graphic images. It makes you reflect on the bad parts of the world, and internalizes its effects on the human mind in a way that will make you sit and think about it for a half an hour after it is over. However, the second half of the movie shows watchers how to pick oneself up after tragedy, even when everything seems like it wants to drag you down. It shows hope after despair and love after loss.

Overall, this movie is one to watch for fans of psychological movies or people who just enjoy a wild ride of emotions. I would rate this movie a 9 out of 10.