WAVES

Waves of closeness, distance, pain, and joy mark the swells of our most intimate relationships. This is the subject of Krisha and It Comes at Night director Trey Edward Shults’ impressive third feature, centering on the complicated family dynamics of three couples whose lives and loves hang in the balance. Catherine (Renée Elise Goldsberry, Altered Carbon) and Ronald Williams (This Is Us’ Sterling K. Brown in an incredibly powerful turn) have worked hard to build a comfortable life in Miami for their children Ty and Emily. When Ty’s girlfriend makes a decision that will permanently impact their futures, Ty reacts, with tragic consequences. The story shifts to Emily and her growing intimacy with classmate Luke (a wonderfully understated Lucas Hedges). Saddled with the weight of unhealed family wounds, the two offer each other comforts neither can find at home. With a fantastic score by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Waves is an unflinching and delicately-crafted portrait of family and forgiveness. US 2019, 135 min Director Trey Edward Shults