Prepare yourselves, Trey Edward Shult’s Waves is a visceral gut punch of emotions. This is a story of family turmoil, impulsive youth, and the frailty of life as we know it. Powerful melodrama aside, the film also serves as an excellent showcase for some truly remarkable young actors. Kelvin Harrison Jr. dominates the first half of the movie with an emotionally raw breakthrough performance that is destined to be rewarded with mini golden statues come awards season (well, at the very least he deserves a nomination). Here, Kelvin expertly takes his character through an expressive gauntlet of emotions, going from arrogant to reckless to vulnerable to broken – all with impressive ease. Like wise, his younger co-star Taylor Russell, takes over the second half of the film with an equally provocative performance, one filled with nuanced hurt and forgiveness. Admittedly though, this movie isn’t going to be for everyone, thanks largely to it’s distinct narrative dissection at the midway point. But trust me, this is one wave worth the attempt to ride!