The Wave

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The Wave

R

2020

1h 27m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

63%

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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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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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

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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

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Kristy Puchko

Riot Material

he Wave feels like a fresh, fun, and funky episode of The Twilight Zone.

Jan 19, 2020

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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

Justin Long was fantastic in the movie. It’s tough to follow, but the nuggets you get make it worthwhile.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/19/25

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D P

This was about as so-so of a movie as it can get. Everything right in the middle of acceptable entertainment.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/04/25

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Emilliano Jr S

Mind blowing, best suit for your trip.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

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Jeff M

Wow What A Trip! Great Movie!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/24

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Toggo U

Hands down one of the worst, most pointless movies I have ever watched.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

12/07/24

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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

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Gille Klabin

Director

Justin Long

Frank

Donald Faison

Jeff

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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
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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