The Wave

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The Wave

R

Released Jan 17, 2020

1h 27m

Sci-Fi

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Popcornmeter

68%

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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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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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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

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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

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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

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eric m

A Thought provoking endearing funny ride that examines our existential lives.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/30/23

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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

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r b

This film is a disjointed mess. Not really worth the time.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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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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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