Waves

For some reason I felt the need to rewatch this film after the abomination of euphoria s3's newest episode and I'm so glad I did. Waves is such a beautiful film, with fleshed out and well written characters, it explores deep themes, complex emotions and family issues. Firstly, I enjoy the subtle parts each sibling plays in one another's narrative. We don't see Emily much in Tyler's half, but when we do, she's sticking up for him, and protecting him, caring for him. Even from the beginning of the film, the family is dysfunctional, they suffer from an overbearing father and a lack of communication. In Emily's half, Tyler haunts her narrative, although she always appeared to be a reserved character, he pushes her further into this until Luke helps to pull her out. It's obvious that Tyler's half represents anger, resentment, pain and hatred, the aspect ratios really help portray this, they box him in as the film goes on, supressing him into the centre as he supresses his anger and pain. The first 20 minutes or so for him are smooth, quick paced yes, with sporadic camera movements and angles, but it shows his success, we see these things as positive. As it continues, these camera movements, when paired with the lighting and shadows aid to show Tyler's mental state. It begins with light, neon's, vibrance, a portrayal of his happiness, but where there's light, there's also shadows, these shadows begin to engulf Tyler as he falls apart. The only light he gains in the final act of his story is artificial police lights. The transition to Emily's side of the story is a large contrast, her colour grading is much more natural, things are brighter, more open, yet the 4:3 aspect ratio from Tyler's half remains, as she is now boxed in by his wrong doings. As she meets Luke and her relationship grows, the aspect ratio is reversed back to its original form at the beginning of the film, showing her healing, and how she's no longer trapped by her guilt. Her side is much quieter, unlike Tyler's, I think she's an incredible character, as after healing herself, she still wants to try and heal her family and Luke. This films soundtrack is widely talked about, and I think every song fits perfectly, I found myself in tears at multiple points, and if it wasn't the visuals or story, it was purely the soundtrack getting to me. I also love Luke's mention of blood orange, I wish they fit that in the film somehow, but that's just me. Every actor gives such an amazing performance, I adore Taylor Russel, and this being one of her earlier roles is so outstanding. She and Luke Hedges are the perfect casting for her half of the story, they have such an endearing awkwardness I can't explain. I also loved Alexa Demi's character, Lexi and Tyler's relationship was adorable at moments, but you can notice the cracks pretty quickly, with Tyler's mental state and surroundings, it would've never worked out. I think this is such a beautiful film, showing how emotions come in waves, and no two people have the same experiences, nor do they react the same to them. Sorry this basically turned into a mini essay but I adore this film and I'm so glad I rewatched it.