Performance & Direction: The Wave Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wave (1981) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Wave features a noteworthy lineup led by Bruce Davison . Supported by the likes of Lori Lethin and John Putch , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Wave
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1981, The Wave is a Drama, Thriller, TV Movie film directed by Alexander Grasshoff. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bruce Davison.
Ending Explained: The Wave
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Alexander Grasshoff, The Wave concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Bruce Davison, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Wave reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Wave?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Bruce Davison or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: The Wave
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Wave Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
ARD Plus Amazon channel 🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesThe Wave Parents Guide & Age Rating
1981 AdvisoryWondering about The Wave age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Wave is 44 minutes (44m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Wave is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wave worth watching?
The Wave is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Wave parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Wave identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Wave?
The total duration of The Wave is 44 minutes, which is approximately 0h 44m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
