"Waves": The Best Film Of 2019

"Waves": Movie Review

"Waves" epitomizes the conceptual groundwork of transcendent cinema. Brutally unconstrained, and emotionally draining, this visionary masterpiece by director Trey Edward Shults ("Krisha"), revolutionizes the construct of filmmaking. Its relevancy's pertaining to modern youth is unshakably powerful, and yet devastating in its monumental execution. Meticulously crafted and impeccably so, "Waves" is the best film of 2019.

Coping with unforeseeable circumstances, an upper class family of four strive to circumvent the degradation of their family's psychological turmoil. While their lives spiral, to a nauseating extent, the films reliance on sporadic pigments of color, wonderfully synced musical cues, and an abundance of fantastically heartfelt characters, are all necessary for the totality of its dynamics to function properly.

Cinematographer, Drew Daniels, axis spinning camera is noteworthy, as the cinematography and aspect ratio adapts to its weighty, thematic elements. Spellbinding imagery fills the screen, while music from Dina Washington and Frank Ocean narrate its unspoken, soul-stirring moments. The conspicuously intentional nuances, that reverberate through each act, optimizes the existence of its emotional resonance. 

And that knee deep poignancy is fueled by its fervent cast. Kelvin Harrison Jr., Alexa Demie, Taylor Russell, and Lucas Hedges are splendid. Their youthful perspective, plagued by the pressures of present day conventions is sublime.  However, it's Sterling K. Browns unmissable Oscar worthy performance as the strict and disciplined father that goes down as one of the greatest supporting roles I've ever seen, and is certainly aided by Renée Goldsberry's maternal conflict.

Unquestionably stomach churning, its truths about family, fatherhood, and regret hit like a dart to the chest. Shults is an ingenious filmmaker, whose growth has sprouted to exponential levels. Films like this don't come along very often and "Waves" has undoubtedly altered the way movies will be viewed forever.

4 Stars Out Of 4