The Wave

The Wave

Year: 2016

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Roar Uthaug

ActionDramaThriller

In Norway's breathtaking Geiranger, geologist Kristian must confront his impending departure from the warning center and a catastrophic prophecy. As the mountain Åkerneset teeters on collapse, Kristian's instincts scream that disaster is imminent. With mere minutes to spare, he must convince the community of the impending doom, racing against time to save them from the devastating consequences of a tsunami.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Wave yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Wave (2016)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Wave (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold in a contemporary setting marked by an alien invasion. This period witnesses the collapse of society and the emergence of survival instincts as characters adapt to an increasingly hostile environment. The catastrophic waves caused by the aliens reflect a drastic shift in human existence and the struggle for survival.

Location

Cleveland, Ohio, desolate forest, Camp Haven, abandoned store

Cleveland, Ohio, serves as the backdrop for Cassie's earlier life, featuring suburban landscapes and typical teenage struggles. The desolate forest represents the harsh reality post-invasion, symbolizing isolation and danger. Camp Haven, a military training facility, becomes a focal point for survivors, emphasizing the conflict and chaos as they confront the alien threat.

🏞️ Nature 🏚️ Abandonment 🏕️ Military Camp

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:57

Main Characters – The Wave (2016)
Meet the key characters of The Wave (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cassie Sullivan

Cassie is a determined and resourceful teenager who evolves from a normal high school student into a survivor in a harsh new world. Her journey encapsulates themes of resilience, loss, and identity, driven by the need to protect her brother. Cassie's character embodies strength and vulnerability as she confronts both external and internal challenges.

👧 Teenage Protagonist 🔥 Resilient 💔 Grief

Ben Parish

Ben, a fellow survivor, grapples with guilt and moral dilemmas throughout the film. As Cassie's love interest and a recruit at Camp Haven, he represents the struggle between survival instincts and humanity. His character showcases the complexities of making choices in life-or-death situations, particularly as he navigates the manipulation of the military.

🏃‍♂️ Survivor ❤️ Love Interest 💔 Guilt

Evan Walker

Evan is a mysterious character with a complex nature that reveals itself over the course of the film. His relationship with Cassie adds depth to his character as he balances his feelings for her with his non-human origins. This duality raises questions about identity and loyalty amid the catastrophic crisis they face.

👤 Mysterious Ally ❤️ Love Interest 🤖 Alien

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:57

Major Themes – The Wave (2016)
Explore the central themes of The Wave (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Survival

Survival is a central theme as characters are forced to navigate a dangerous, post-apocalyptic world. Cassie and her friends must rely on their instincts and forge alliances to overcome the various threats they face. This theme highlights resilience in the face of dire circumstances and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.

💔 Loss

Loss permeates the narrative, affecting Cassie deeply as she experiences the death of family and friends. This theme explores the emotional weight of grief and how it shapes her actions throughout the film. The characters' struggles with acceptance and moving forward emphasize the profound impact of loss in a shattered world.

👥 Identity

Identity emerges as a pivotal theme, particularly in Cassie's relationship with Evan, who struggles with his true nature. The film examines what it means to be human amidst an invasion that blurs the lines between friend and foe. As trust and betrayal unfold within Camp Haven, the characters must confront their identities in a world turned upside down.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:57

Similar Movies to The Wave
Discover movies like The Wave that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.