Waves

      A very intense new drama that tries hard to reflect society today through the eyes of one affluent family. While the family is black, the circumstances that affect them could easily happen to a white family as well. When Tyler Williams, a high school senior and promising wrestling star develops medical issues, his life starts to spiral out of control. As his problems mount and his home life begins to crack under internal and external pressures, tragedy seems inevitable.

      Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays Tyler, featured predominantly through the first half of the film. His parents are played by Sterling K. Brown ( a departure from his role as Randall on "This is Us") and Rene Elise Goldsberry as his step mother. His sister Emily, played by Taylor Russell, actually carries the second half of the film when there is a sudden but deliberate shift in perspective and tone. The film also features Lucas Hedges (while a terrific young actor, too old now to still play a high school senior). and Alexa Demie as Alexis, Tyler's girlfriend. 

       Trey Edward Shults wrote and directed the film. He uses light and music as a hypnotic palette that at times, creates a dreamlike atmosphere, especially in the second half. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross did the moody score which compliments the story perfectly. Mr. Shults has written a cautionary tale that will haunt you for some time, especially if you have teenage children.