Every few years, a movie emerges that does not merely tell a story but vibrates with the raw, chaotic energy of youth itself. Released in late 2019 by A24 and directed by Trey Edward Shults, Waves is a sweeping, emotionally turbulent epic disguised as a suburban family drama. Set against the sun-drenched, neon-lit backdrop of South Florida, the film operates less like a traditional narrative and more like a musical score, tracking the tectonic shifts of a family experiencing profound grief and eventual redemption.
Cinematic Masterpiece: An In-Depth Analysis of Trey Edward Shults’ Film Waves (2019)
The film opens in a wide, expansive 1.85:1 aspect ratio, reflecting the boundless potential, speed, and freedom of Tyler’s youth. waves 2019
Waves (2019) is not an easy watch, but it is a profoundly rewarding one. By diving into the deepest, most uncomfortable parts of human emotion—pain, guilt, love, and forgiveness—Trey Edward Shults created a cinematic experience that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. It is a stunning, sensory-focused journey that reminds us that even after the most devastating waves, healing is possible.
Offers a complex portrayal of a well-meaning but emotionally rigid father. Every few years, a movie emerges that does
To learn more about the technical production or the themes of this film, tell me if you want to explore:
Emphasizes the performative masculinity and bravado expected of Tyler. "True Love Waits" Cinematic Masterpiece: An In-Depth Analysis of Trey Edward
If the first half of Waves is a panic attack, the second half is a deep, shaky exhale. Following the tragedy, the narrative shifts entirely to Tyler’s younger sister, Emily (Taylor Russell).
Shults paired this with kinetic 360-degree camera rotations designed by cinematographer Drew Daniels. The swirling cameras within vehicles and school hallways visually anchor the characters’ dizzying hyper-mobility before tearing it away. A Gen-Z Sonic Tapestry
As Tyler’s world becomes increasingly claustrophobic, the frame physically narrows, literally boxing him in. When Emily begins to heal in the second half, the frame gradually opens back up, reflecting a sense of newfound freedom and hope.
When Emily’s story takes over, the aspect ratio slowly breathes back outward, expanding visually as she learns to open her heart again.