The film "WAVES" is currently in theaters. Did you know that one of the film's greatest draws is the numerous songs that "sync with the visuals"?
In fact, before even starting to write the script, director Trey Edward Shults himself created a playlist of the music to be used in the film. This was the inspiration for the script. As the director himself has said, "In a way, it's like a musical," all the songs are used to align with the characters' personalities and emotions, and at times, the music conveys the characters' inner thoughts in place of dialogue.
In this article, we'll introduce some of the most memorable songs in the film. Don't miss director Trey Edward Shults' song commentary! Whether you've seen the film or are planning to see it, be sure to check it out.

"Be Above It" / Tame Impala

Tyler is a high school student overwhelmed with his studies and extracurricular activities. His hectic high school life is captured with ground-level camerawork, and the lyrics "go beyond" express his feelings.

"Focus" / H.E.R.

The protagonist, Tyler, has just had a major fight with his girlfriend. The lyrics of "Look This Way" link with his struggles as he struggles to express his feelings to his girlfriend.

"I Am a God" / Kanye West

The protagonist, Tyler, clashes with his parents and runs away from home. This song is used in the driving scene after Tyler, who has never opposed his parents, stands up to them for the first time. The director has said that the first half of the film (the part about the older brother, Tyler), is based on Kanye West's worldview.

"I wanted the strength and power of the lyric 'I am God,' right after Tyler defeats his father."
Director Trey Edward Shults

"What a Difference a Day Makes" by Dinah Washington

A single mistake can change a life forever, but this song foreshadows that a new day of healing will always come. It's used twice in the film, once in the first half and once in the middle, and each time has a different impact.

"Pretty Little Birds" by SZA

The lyrics express the moment when Emily, who has lived a lonely life, finally opens up her closed heart: "You're a phoenix in wings. Wounded by the ocean waves. But you can fly, you can swim."





Other songs are also introduced on the special website for the film "WAVES" (https://www.phantom-film.com/waves-movie/). If you listen to the songs beforehand and then watch the film, you'll be able to enjoy the synchronization between the images and music even more.




■Synopsis of the film "WAVES"
High school student Tyler is an elite wrestler on the team with excellent grades, and has a beautiful girlfriend, Alexis. Though he feels a distance between him and his strict father, Ronald, he grows up in a privileged family and lives a life of luxury. Then, unfortunately, one day, he suffers a shoulder injury, and the doctor tells him that his career as an athlete is in jeopardy. To make matters worse, he finds out that his girlfriend is pregnant. He is tossed about by the wheels of life that are gradually going haywire, and loses sight of himself. Then, one night, a decisive tragedy occurs that changes the fate of Tyler and his family. A year later, Luke, who knows everything but shows affection for his sister Emily, who lives a closed-off life. Touched by Luke's awkward kindness, Emily gradually opens up to him.
The two eventually fall in love, but Luke is also deeply wounded. And so, for the sake of their future, they take action...

WAVES Playlist