The Wave

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The Wave

R

2020

1h 27m

Sci-Fi

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Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

64%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

When Frank goes out on the town to celebrate an upcoming promotion, his night takes an unexpected and bizarre turn when he is dosed with a hallucinogen that alters his perception and changes his life forever.

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Critics Consensus

Much like its addled protagonist, The Wave struggles to stay on target, but Justin Long's performance helps this pleasantly offbeat sci-fi fantasy find its way.

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Cary Darling

Houston Chronicle

Jan 30, 2020

Smash together bits of Martin Scorsese's "After Hours," Michel Gondry's "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and an episode of the old TV show "Scrubs"...and you might get "The Wave," an appealingly ambitious debut feature from director Gille Klabin.

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Katie Walsh

Tribune News Service

Jan 23, 2020

2.5/4

A punchy and visually arresting calling card that announces the arrival of the filmmaker's bold style.

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Kristy Puchko

Riot Material

Jan 19, 2020

he Wave feels like a fresh, fun, and funky episode of The Twilight Zone.

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Rocco T. Thompson

Rue Morgue Magazine

Jul 3, 2024

Starring Justin Long as a bloodsucking lawyer out to salvage his soul, Klabin’s film feels like the Nicecore answer to Gaspar Noé’s Enter the Void.

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Q.V. Hough

Vague Visages

Feb 18, 2022

The Wave spotlights the writing on the wall for its most flawed characters, but also makes sure to settle on the base-level humanity of others. The result is an affecting and forward-thinking film that pinpoints what it means to be self-aware.

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Brent McKnight

The Last Thing I See

Jun 25, 2020

B-

"The Wave" feels tailor-made to spark shallow philosophical musings from stoners sitting on couches rather than offering real insight. Still, it's fun, doesn't overuse psychedelic visuals, and as a debut feature, shows off an inventive and peculiar eye.

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Anthony P

@RT08351926 6 days ago

Definitely worth a watch good movie.

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veryberry T

@RT09076791 Sep 24, 2026

It's so good, more people need to watch!

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sara lynn m

@saralee15835 Jan 15, 2026

Seriously an amazing movie. I thought Justin Long and Donald Faison from Scrubs? It will be mildly amusing at best. Wrong. Funny, but also thought provoking and a terrific concept that comes through at the end. Definitely Justin Long's I'd say best role, of any movie I've seen him in. It's sad that most people missed it, given the timing of COVID.

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Matthew H

@BimmyLee Jan 6, 2026

I thought it was good and i am planning to watch it again to see what i missed the first time through. It is a little confusing at first, but the movie gives just enough info to tell you what's happening but not so much thst it is totally predictable This movie reminded me of Timecrimes...

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jacehtc01 T

@RT58231103 Apr 19, 2025

Justin Long was fantastic in the movie. It’s tough to follow, but the nuggets you get make it worthwhile.

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D P

@RT45936356 Apr 4, 2025

This was about as so-so of a movie as it can get. Everything right in the middle of acceptable entertainment.

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Gille Klabin

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Synopsis

When Frank goes out on the town to celebrate an upcoming promotion, his night takes an unexpected and bizarre turn when he is dosed with a hallucinogen that alters his perception and changes his life forever.

Director: Gille Klabin
Producer: Joshua Bunting, Gille Klabin, Carl W. Lucas, Monte Young
Screenwriter: Carl W. Lucas
Distributor: Epic Pictures
Production Co: EchoWolf Productions
Rating: R (Some Disturbing Images|Sexual References|Language Throughout|Strong Drug Content)
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 17, 2020
Runtime: 1h 27m

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