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The Wave

R Released Jan 17, 2020 1h 27m Sci-Fi List
68% Tomatometer 38 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
When Frank goes out on the town to celebrate an upcoming promotion, his night takes an unexpected and bizarre turn when he is dosed with a hallucinogen that alters his perception and changes his life forever.
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The Wave

The Wave

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Critics Consensus

Much like its addled protagonist, The Wave struggles to stay on target, but Justin Long's performance helps this pleasantly offbeat sci-fi fantasy find its way.

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Critics Reviews

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Cary Darling Houston Chronicle Smash together bits of Martin Scorsese's "After Hours," Michel Gondry's "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and an episode of the old TV show "Scrubs"...and you might get "The Wave," an appealingly ambitious debut feature from director Gille Klabin. Jan 30, 2020 Full Review Katie Walsh Tribune News Service A punchy and visually arresting calling card that announces the arrival of the filmmaker's bold style. Rated: 2.5/4 Jan 23, 2020 Full Review Kristy Puchko Riot Material he Wave feels like a fresh, fun, and funky episode of The Twilight Zone. Jan 19, 2020 Full Review Rocco T. Thompson Rue Morgue Magazine Starring Justin Long as a bloodsucking lawyer out to salvage his soul, Klabin’s film feels like the Nicecore answer to Gaspar Noé’s Enter the Void. Jul 3, 2024 Full Review Q.V. Hough Vague Visages The Wave spotlights the writing on the wall for its most flawed characters, but also makes sure to settle on the base-level humanity of others. The result is an affecting and forward-thinking film that pinpoints what it means to be self-aware. Feb 18, 2022 Full Review Brent McKnight The Last Thing I See "The Wave" feels tailor-made to spark shallow philosophical musings from stoners sitting on couches rather than offering real insight. Still, it's fun, doesn't overuse psychedelic visuals, and as a debut feature, shows off an inventive and peculiar eye. Rated: B- Jun 25, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Freddy B The Wave is a wild ride, but a fun one. Watched it on the come down from a trip and it did not disappoint. Biggest takeaway: The universe mostly cares about “balance.” Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/04/24 Full Review Michael P The universe provides. An absolutely insane movie and came to me when I needed it most. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/04/24 Full Review Torin F THE WAVE is like a movie-length version of a Twilight Zone episode in the best way possible, admirably committed to its mind-bending ideas without losing the forward momentum of plot and character arc. It's philosophical and psychedelic without being overbearing or overly cliche, and delivers a time-twisting adventure with more heart than many comparable recent works. Which is to say that The Wave is properly psychedelic, and not just a clever puzzle or one-trick pony. Enjoy the ride! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/20/23 Full Review eric m A Thought provoking endearing funny ride that examines our existential lives. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/30/23 Full Review Dominic S I never write movie reviews and I am proud to say this movie was so good that if I can motivate one more person to see it I'm going to do just that, so here we are. The cast does a fantastic job selling you on the reality the writers and directors have created. I know this review is vague but it's because I don't want to spoil a single second of the amazing ride it takes you on. Truly a must see! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/09/23 Full Review Tia W I thought it was wildly entertaining and I didn't predict the twist at all. Love the casting as well. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/06/22 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis When Frank goes out on the town to celebrate an upcoming promotion, his night takes an unexpected and bizarre turn when he is dosed with a hallucinogen that alters his perception and changes his life forever.
Director
Gille Klabin
Producer
Joshua Bunting, Gille Klabin, Carl W. Lucas, Monte Young
Screenwriter
Carl W. Lucas
Distributor
Epic Pictures
Production Co
EchoWolf Productions
Rating
R (Sexual References|Language Throughout|Some Disturbing Images|Strong Drug Content)
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 17, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 17, 2020
Runtime
1h 27m
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