Waves 2019
Directed by
Trey Edward Shults
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Waves (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Tyler Williams, a well-liked senior leading the wrestling team, navigates the complexities of adolescence while grappling with deep personal challenges. In his free time, he enjoys partying with friends and spending time with his girlfriend, Alexis Lopez. However, he’s constantly under the intense pressure of his overbearing father, Ronald, who pushes him relentlessly to achieve more. Tyler’s stepmother, Catharine, shows empathy towards his struggles, attempting to bridge the gap between them.
Unbeknownst to his family and teammates, Tyler is silently enduring a painful SLAP tear in his shoulder. He resorts to secretly taking painkillers from Ronald to manage his condition. A doctor’s visit alerts him to the seriousness of the injury, urging immediate surgery. Yet, Tyler is unwilling to put his wrestling season on hold and chooses to continue competing. Unfortunately, during a crucial match, he suffers a serious injury, leading to irreversible damage that abruptly ends his season and future in the sport.
Amidst this turmoil, a text from Alexis divulges troubling news—her period is late. Tyler takes her to a clinic for an abortion, but they encounter a group of pro-life protesters outside. This moment prompts Alexis to reconsider their situation, leading to a tumultuous disagreement where Tyler expresses his fears about fatherhood at such a young age and in light of his injuries. Feeling disregarded, Alexis storms off, leaving Tyler distraught.
In a downward spiral, Tyler turns to substance abuse at parties, only to find solace in his younger sister, Emily. As Tyler attempts to reconnect with Alexis, she reveals her decision to keep the baby, bolstered by family support. When Tyler confronts her about the situation, she breaks up with him and blocks him from contacting her, inciting a furious reaction from Tyler that results in him damaging his belongings.
On the night of the school dance, Tyler’s grief and anger mount as he sees Alexis enjoying herself online. Fueled by drugs, he clashes with Catharine and escapes in Ronald’s truck. At a house party, he witnesses Alexis with another boy, igniting jealousy and rage in him. In a fit of anger, Tyler confronts her and, in a tragic turn of events, assaults her, leading to catastrophic consequences that forever change their lives. Tyler’s desperate escape ends with his arrest after he is found running away.
Despite his guilty plea, Tyler faces life in prison for second-degree murder after Alexis succumbs to her injuries, and he must confront the reality of a thirty-year wait for parole.
Amid Alexis’s passing, Emily retreats from social media, struggling with her grief and anger towards Tyler. This burden is compounded by Ronald and Catharine’s escalating disputes over Tyler. Eventually, Ronald reaches out to Emily, encouraging her to let go of her resentment and reinforcing his love for both his children. Their conversation helps to mend their relationship.
Meanwhile, Emily’s bonds with classmate Luke deepen, leading to a romantic entanglement. She accompanies him as he seeks closure with his estranged father, who, despite being gravely ill, finds renewed strength upon their visit. The emotional turmoil culminates when Luke’s father passes away, prompting Emily to support him during his time of loss.
Upon her return to Miami, Emily embraces her emotions by visiting Tyler in prison and offering her condolences to Alexis’s family. As she gradually finds peace with her own grief, Emily restores her relationship with Ronald, marking a new chapter of healing and understanding in the wake of tragedy.
Timeline
Track the key events of Waves (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Tyler's High School Life
Tyler Williams is introduced as a well-liked senior and the captain of the wrestling team. He enjoys his time with friends and his girlfriend, Alexis, while also navigating the challenges of adolescence and the pressures of expectations from his father.
Pressure from Ronald
Tyler faces intense pressure from his overbearing father, Ronald, who relentlessly pushes him to excel. This pressure often leads to tension in their relationship, although Tyler's stepmother, Catharine, tries to provide understanding and support.
Undetected Injury
Unbeknownst to others, Tyler is silently dealing with a painful SLAP tear in his shoulder. To cope with the pain, he secretly takes painkillers from Ronald, concealing the severity of his injury from his family and teammates.
The Doctor's Warning
During a visit to the doctor, Tyler learns of the seriousness of his shoulder injury, receiving a recommendation for immediate surgery. However, unwilling to sacrifice his wrestling season, Tyler decides to continue competing despite the risks.
Crucial Match Injury
Tragedy strikes during an important wrestling match when Tyler suffers a catastrophic injury. This moment marks the abrupt end of his season and his aspirations in the sport due to irreversible damage to his shoulder.
Alexis's News
Tyler receives a concerning text from Alexis revealing that her period is late. Concerned and supportive, he takes her to a clinic, where they come across pro-life protesters outside, igniting a heated discussion between them about their future.
Breakdown of Relationship
Following a tumultuous disagreement about their pregnancy situation, Alexis decides to keep the baby, leaving Tyler feeling rejected and distraught. She breaks up with him and blocks him from contacting her, deepening Tyler's sense of loss.
Descent into Substance Abuse
As Tyler grapples with his heartbreak and the weight of his injuries, he begins to spiral into substance abuse during parties. This destructive behavior marks a significant turning point in his life as he seeks escape from his pain.
Confrontation with Alexis
At the school dance, Tyler's emotions reach a boiling point when he sees Alexis enjoying herself online. Fueled by drugs and jealousy, he confronts her at a party, leading to a tragic assault that drastically alters both their lives.
Consequences of Violence
Following the assault, Tyler's life takes a dramatic turn as he flees the scene. Ultimately, his actions lead to his arrest, and he faces severe charges when Alexis succumbs to her injuries, leading to a guilty plea for second-degree murder.
Emily's Grief
In the aftermath of Alexis's passing, Tyler's younger sister, Emily, struggles with grief and anger towards her brother. The family tensions rise as Ronald and Catharine argue over how to handle the situation regarding Tyler.
Reconnecting with Emily
Ronald reaches out to Emily, encouraging her to let go of her resentment towards Tyler. Their heartfelt conversation helps mend their relationship, and Ronald reassures her of his unwavering love for both his children.
Emily's New Relationship
Amidst the turmoil, Emily develops a deeper bond with her classmate, Luke. Together, they navigate emotional challenges, including his strained relationship with his terminally ill father, ultimately providing each other with support.
Luke's Father's Passing
The emotional journey culminates with the passing of Luke's father, leaving him shattered. Emily provides comfort as he copes with the loss, showcasing the strength of their burgeoning relationship in times of tragedy.
Emily's Visit to Tyler
Emily visits Tyler in prison, seeking closure and sharing her condolences with Alexis's family. Through this visit, she begins to confront her emotions, ultimately finding peace and rekindling her relationship with Ronald.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Waves (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Tyler Williams
Tyler is a well-liked, ambitious high school senior struggling under the pressures of family expectations and personal demons. His journey is marked by deep emotional challenges and a gradual descent into substance abuse as he deals with physical pain and relationship turmoil. Tyler's character encapsulates the complexities of adolescence, ambition, and the tragedy of impulsive decisions.
Ronald
Ronald, Tyler's father, is an overbearing figure who places immense pressure on his son to achieve greatness. Despite his intentions, his relentless drive for Tyler's success leads to a strained father-son relationship. Ronald's characterization reflects the impact of parental expectations on young people's mental health and decisions.
Alexis Lopez
Alexis is Tyler’s girlfriend, who finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions and decisions surrounding their young relationship and unexpected pregnancy. Her character demonstrates resilience and depth, especially as she navigates the complexities of love, fear, and eventual empowerment in the face of adversity. Alexis's choices propel the story into its more impactful moments.
Emily
Emily is Tyler’s younger sister, who becomes a beacon of hope and healing amidst the family's turmoil. Her growth throughout the film showcases her emotional intelligence and strength, as she supports both Tyler and her father while seeking to find her path. Through her relationships and personal struggles, she emerges as a figure of resilience and understanding.
Luke
Luke is a classmate of Emily who shares a bond with her as they navigate their respective grief. His character brings a layer of compassion and connection to the story, especially as he deals with the loss of his own father. Luke’s presence deepens Emily's emotional journey and illustrates the importance of connection during difficult times.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Waves (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Location
Miami
Miami is a vibrant city located in southeastern Florida, known for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It serves as a significant backdrop in the film, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of the characters while shaping their experiences and choices. The city’s diverse community and unique cultural influences play a crucial role in the story.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Waves (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Heartbreak
The theme of heartbreak permeates throughout the film as Tyler grapples with personal loss, the disintegration of his relationships, and the tragic consequences of his actions. This emotional turmoil highlights the complexity of young love and the struggles of growing up under immense pressure. Ultimately, heartbreak drives the narrative forward, affecting each character's journey.
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Ambition
Ambition is a central theme as Tyler faces pressure from his father to excel in wrestling while managing his personal challenges. This ambition turns toxic as it leads to his reckless decisions, jeopardizing his dreams and relationships. The film explores the fine line between healthy aspiration and destructive ambition, leaving a lasting impact on the characters’ lives.
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Consequences
The theme of consequences is critical to the story, illustrating how choices made in moments of desperation can result in devastating effects. Tyler’s decisions, stemming from emotional turmoil and pressure, culminate in life-altering repercussions—not just for himself, but also for Alexis and their families. This theme resonates throughout the film, serving as a poignant reminder of accountability.
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