The Wave

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.

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

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

I found myself really impressed by this movie. It's a first feature and has a lot of ambition to it... You come out of this going "that movie is good, but that director is going to be great."

It's a movie designed to replicate the confusion of its protagonist, but ultimately reflects the confusion of everyone who made it.

This fever dream feels more derivative than distinctive, entertaining and eventful as it is. Still, it's a well-cast, well-crafted stab at something offbeat...

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.

"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.

A wild and multi-genre ride. There are messages on life throughout, but it gets muddled in the confused plotting.

a psychedelic adventure