Verdict:New Wave: Dare to be Different is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.9/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary, Music genre.
Answer: Yes, New Wave: Dare to be Different is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 2017, New Wave: Dare to be Different enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Blondie, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, The Clash, The Cure: Over half a billion records sold but you may never have heard of them if not for a small suburban radio station on Long Island, NY: WLIR. Under the direction of Ellen Goldfarb, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Debbie Harry. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, New Wave: Dare to be Different offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, New Wave: Dare to be Different resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, New Wave: Dare to be Different is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of New Wave: Dare to be Different centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Blondie, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, The Clash, The Cure: Over half a billion records sold but you may never have heard of them if not for a small suburban radio station on Long Island, NY: WLIR. In August, 1982, a small group of radio visionaries knew they couldn't compete with the mega-stations in New York City. With one brave decision, they changed the sound of radio forever. Program Director Denis McNamara, the 'LIR crew and the biggest artists of the era tell the story of how they battled the FCC, the record labels, mega-radio and all the conventional rules to create a musical movement that brought the New Wave to America. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2017 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of New Wave: Dare to be Different has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a New Wave: Dare to be Different sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for New Wave: Dare to be Different (2017): with an audience rating of 6.9/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Documentary, Music cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home
FlixFlingAmazon VideoFandango At HomeFlixFlingAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, New Wave: Dare to be Different stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
New Wave: Dare to be Different has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
New Wave: Dare to be Different is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary, Music movies, but read reviews first.
New Wave: Dare to be Different may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
New Wave: Dare to be Different has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
New Wave: Dare to be Different is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary, Music movies, but read reviews first.
New Wave: Dare to be Different may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
New Wave: Dare to be Different is a Documentary, Music movie that follows: U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Blondie, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, The Clash, The Cure: Over half a billion records sold but you may never have heard of them if not for a small suburban radio sta...
New Wave: Dare to be Different is classified as Documentary, Music. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
New Wave: Dare to be Different is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Blondie, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, The Clash, The Cure: Over half a billion records sold but you may never have heard of them if not for a small suburban radio station on Long Island, NY: WLIR. In August, 1982, a small group of radio visionaries knew they couldn't compete with the mega-stations in New York City. With one brave decision, they changed the sound of radio forever. Program Director Denis McNamara, the 'LIR crew and the biggest artists of the era tell the story of how they battled the FCC, the record labels, mega-radio and all the conventional rules to create a musical movement that brought the New Wave to America.
No reviews found for this filter.
