Exploration of Love and Grief: An introspective discourse delving into the diverse forms of love and bereavement
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Writer-director Trey Edward Shults, known for his critically-acclaimed films "It Comes At Night" and "Krisha", has released his latest work, "Waves". This compelling drama, set in South Florida, delves into themes of love and loss, parental pressure, and the importance of communication and vulnerability between parents and children.
"Waves" is structured into two distinct segments, with a middle passage connecting them. The story revolves around an African-American family, with Sterling K. Brown playing the stern and uncompromising patriarch Ronald Williams.
The film features an exhilarating soundtrack, including songs by Frank Ocean, Radiohead, and Kendrick Lamar, and a mesmerizing score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Academy Award-winning duo. The music is synchronized with the narrative, adding depth and emotion to the story.
Shults has worked on Terrence Malick's films, including "Song to Song", "Voyage of Time", and "The Tree of Life". His directorial debut was in 2010 with the short film "Mother and Son". "Waves" marks his first movie not to have a singular location, with over 50 locations used across 35 shooting days.
"Waves" is Shults' third feature, following "It Comes At Night" (2017) and his critically-acclaimed 2016 debut, "Krisha". His first feature, "Krisha", won several awards, including the John Cassavetes Award at Indy Spirit, Best Directorial Debut from the National Board of Review, Best First Film from the New York Film Critics Circle, and the Breakthrough Director Award at the Gotham Awards.
Shults envisioned "Waves" as a music-driven movie akin to "Boogie Nights" or "Goodfellas". He collaborated closely with cinematographer Drew Daniels to heighten the subjectivity of the characters, and the visual language and grammar in "Waves" were carefully planned for each section of the movie. Shults curated the film's music to reflect his characters' subjectivity or state of mind.
"Waves" examines love in its myriad incarnations, tracing how it can both push people apart and draw them together. It's a powerful exploration of family dynamics, communication, and the impact of parental pressure on relationships. Despite not being listed in some search results, "Waves" is a film not to be missed.
