In the emotionally charged film "Waves," directed by Trey Edward Shults, we delve into the lives of Tyler, portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr., and his sister, Emily, played by Taylor Russell. At the heart of the story is their father, whose relentless drive to push his children toward excellence becomes a double-edged sword. He believes that success in high school is paramount, leading him to impose high expectations on Tyler, a talented wrestler. However, this intense pressure culminates in a devastating moment when Tyler suffers a serious injury that derails not only his athletic future but also shatters his self-esteem and sense of purpose.
As Tyler grapples with his new reality, the family's dynamics begin to unravel. The father's attempts to motivate his son transform into a suffocating control that leads to resentment and conflict. Meanwhile, Emily, who is navigating her own struggles, finds herself caught in the crossfire of familial expectations and her brother's turmoil. The once tight-knit family now faces an emotional chasm as they each deal with their pain and their father's overpowering desire for success. The foundation of love and support that once held them together is tested, revealing deeper fractures and unspoken grievances.
The narrative takes a harrowing turn when tragedy strikes, pushing the family into a dark and uncharted territory of grief and despair. This poignant moment challenges each character to confront their vulnerabilities and redefine their relationships with one another. As they seek to heal amidst their shattered dreams and aspirations, "Waves" serves as a profound exploration of the complexities of family, the weight of expectations, and the journey toward forgiveness and understanding. The emotional depth and raw performances by Harrison and Russell illuminate the struggles faced by many families, making the film a compelling reflection on love, loss, and resilience.
Main Cast of Waves
Kelvin Harrison, Jr.
Tyler
Kelvin Harrison, Jr.'s performance as Tyler in the movie 'Waves' is a raw and emotionally charged tour de force that anchors the film's exploration of family dynamics and personal turmoil. Harrison imbues Tyler with a magnetic intensity, capturing the complexities of a young athlete striving for excellence under the weight of his father's high expectations. His portrayal is nuanced and multifaceted, showcasing Tyler's journey from a confident, vibrant teenager to someone grappling with the consequences of his choices and the pressures of his environment. Harrison's ability to convey theinternal struggle and the heartbreaking transition from exuberance to desperation is not only compelling but also deeply empathetic, ensuring that Tyler's story resonates with audiences on a visceral level. His performance is a testament to his range as an actor and solidifies his status as a talent to watch in the industry.
Taylor Russell
Emily
Taylor Russell delivered a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance as Emily in the film "Waves" (2019), directed by Trey Edward Shults. As the younger sister of Tyler, played by Kelvin Harrison Jr., Russell's character undergoes a profound transformation throughout the narrative, from existing in the shadow of her brother's intense life to carving out her own identity amidst family tragedy. Emily's journey from quiet introspection to a courageous pursuit of self-discovery and independence is portrayed by Russell with a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength. Her performance is marked by subtle gestures and expressive eyes that convey a deep inner world, allowing audiences to feel the weight of her character's experiences and the complexity of her emotions. Russell's portrayal brings a sense of hope and resilience to the film, offering a poignant contrast to the chaos that engulfs her family, and ultimately affirming her as a standout talent capable of carrying the emotional core of a deeply affecting story.
Renée Elise Goldsberry
Catharine
Renée Elise Goldsberry delivers a poignant and emotionally resonant performance as Catharine in the film "Waves." As the matriarch of a tight-knit family that begins to unravel under the weight of tragedy and external pressures, Goldsberry imbues Catharine with a strength and vulnerability that anchor the film's raw intensity and tenderness. Her portrayal is marked by a nuanced depiction of a mother's unyielding love, her internal struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy, and her resilience in the face of profound loss. Goldsberry's performance is a testament to her range as an actress, as she navigates the complex layers of a woman fighting to keep her family together while confronting her own pain and the limitations of her control. Her scenes are fraught with an authenticity that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, making Catharine a character that lingers in the audience's memory long after the credits roll.
Sterling K. Brown
Ronald
Sterling K. Brown delivers a powerhouse performance as Ronald in the film 'Waves,' a role that showcases his remarkable range and emotional depth. As the domineering yet well-intentioned father, Brown captures the complexities of a man grappling with the pressures of providing for his family while trying to instill in his children the resilience and discipline he believes are necessary for them to thrive. His portrayal is both commanding and nuanced, conveying the intensity of a parent's love that teeters on the brink of being overbearing. Brown's performance is a study in contradictions; he is simultaneously a source of inspiration and a figure of intimidation, whose own vulnerabilities and past traumas subtly inform his harsh parenting methods. Through his masterful embodiment of Ronald, Brown brings a raw and visceral energy to the screen, driving the film's exploration of family dynamics, responsibility, and the consequences of trying to maintain control in an unpredictable world. His work in 'Waves' is not only a testament to his prowess as an actor but also a profound contribution to the narrative's emotional resonance.
Secondary Cast of Waves
Holland Hayes
Doctor Steve
Alan Fritz
Bailiff (uncredited)
Taisha Perez
Coroner Jessie (uncredited)
Crew of Waves
Full backstage crew list →
