Waves is a 2019 American drama film written and directed by Trey Edward Shults. It stars Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucas Hedges, Taylor Russell, Alexa Demie, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Sterling K. Brown.
Set in South Florida, the tale traces the emotional journey of a suburban family as they navigate love, forgiveness and reunion in the aftermath of a loss.
World premiering at the 2019 Telluride Film Fest, it was released on November 15 by A24.
Tyler Williams is a popular high school senior on the wrestling team. Outside of school, he parties with his friends and spends time with girlfriend Alexis Lopez, but he is routinely pushed to be better by his domineering father, Ronald.
His stepmother, Catherine, is more understanding of Tyler’s pressure, and tries her best to connect with him. Unbeknownst to anyone at school or home, Tyler suffers from a Level 5 SLAP tear, which he keeps secret from his family and team by stealing his father’s painkillers.
Tyler’s doctor highly recommends undergoing surgery before it’s too late, but, unwilling to postpone the remainder of his season, Tyler continues to wrestle competitively until he is thrown onto his shoulder during a match, causing irreparable damage and ending his season, as well as his career.
