The Wave

R

Released Jan 17, 2020

1 hr. 27 min.

Sci-Fi

List

68%

37 Reviews

Tomatometer

61%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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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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

serena m

Excellent movie! One of the most unique pieces of cinema I've ever seen. Also beautiful visually, great acting, and fantastic soundtrack.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Appy V

This movie is beyond pointless. The description makes you think it would be a cool mind bending flick but the execution is so poor that I felt the need to let the world know of how bad it is.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/04/22

Full Review

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Gille Klabin

Director

Justin Long

Frank

Donald Faison

Jeff

Tommy Flanagan

Aeolus

Sheila Vand

Theresa

Katia Winter

Natalie

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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

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

Chauncey K. Robinson

The Twisted Girl Next Door

A wild and multi-genre ride. There are messages on life throughout, but it gets muddled in the confused plotting.

Rated: B

Mar 3, 2020

Full Review

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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
Executive Producer: Jason Bender, Robert Dehn, Suzanne Niedland, Kevin P. Towler
Screenwriter: Carl W. Lucas
Distributor: Epic Pictures
Production Co: EchoWolf Productions
Rating: R (Some Disturbing Images|Sexual References|Language Throughout|Strong Drug Content)
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 17, 2020

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