Sebastián Lelio’s The Wave: A Feminist Musical That Dares to Speak Up
The Bottom Line
A catchy anthem that at times rings hollow.
Venue: Cannes Film Festival (Cannes Premiere)
Cast: Daniela López, Lola Bravo, Avril Aurora, Paulina Cortés
Director: Sebastián Lelio
Screenwriters: Sebastián Lelio, Manuela Infante, Josefina Fernández, Paloma Salas
Run Time: 2 hours 9 minutes
A Cultural Moment Captured on Film
In 2019, Chile erupted in protests against systemic violence and sexual assault, galvanizing a generation of young activists. Among these brave voices was LASTESIS, a feminist collective whose bold performance of “A Rapist in Your Path” became a potent anthem for the #MeToo movement (read more here). Now, acclaimed director Sebastián Lelio dives deep into this cultural moment with his spirited musical, The Wave, which artfully marries energetic song and dance with profound themes.
The Narrative: A Journey of Empowerment and Struggle
Set against the backdrop of the 2018 university protests, The Wave centers on Julia (played by Daniela López), a student grappling with the fallout of a recent sexual assault. The film paints a vivid portrait of her emotional turmoil as she navigates a feminist awakening amidst her peers.
Julia finds herself involved in a grassroots movement, driven to seek justice after hearing the poignant testimonies of fellow survivors. The film does an admirable job of building a sense of community, illustrating how shared experiences can empower individuals to speak out against injustice.
Themes Weaved with Aesthetic Flourish
The Wave showcases Lelio’s unique ability to blend visual spectacle with a meaningful narrative. The film bursts with vibrant choreography and surrealist elements that serve as a medium for women’s empowerment. Lelio, known for films like A Fantastic Woman and The Wonder, navigates through a landscape rich with aesthetic flourishes that at times outshine the narrative complexity.
Despite its bold intentions, some viewers may find the film overly simplistic at points, as it occasionally veers into familiar feminist tropes and motifs. The character of Julia, while relatable, often feels like a hollow vessel, lacking the depth to anchor the film’s ambitious themes.
The Dynamics of Class and Gender in The Wave
One of the stronger elements of The Wave is its exploration of class dynamics. Julia’s working-class background contrasts starkly with her assailant Max, who comes from privilege. This juxtaposition adds layers to the narrative, enriching the exploration of power dynamics in sexual violence cases. Yet, there’s a sense that The Wave could have explored these complexities more thoroughly instead of adhering to a safer narrative.
A Musical Experience That Moves
Despite its flaws, The Wave triumphs in its musical numbers. The choreography, crafted by Ryan Heffington, and the music by Matthew Herbert resonate with the film’s themes of defiance and courage. The ensemble cast, featuring over 100 performers, brings life to stirring anthems that echo the sentiments of LASTESIS’ protest song.
The Impact and Future of The Wave
As audiences in the U.S. become increasingly receptive to films that explore feminist ideals, particularly in light of contemporary movements, The Wave has the potential to find a meaningful audience. The film’s coherence in terms of its political stance, although lacking in dramatic execution, might resonate deeply with younger audiences looking for films that challenge societal norms.
Conclusion: A Wave of Change
Lelio’s The Wave is a visually arresting experience that, while occasionally surface-level, plays a crucial role in advocating for women’s voices and rights. It successfully channels the spirit of grassroots movements and articulates the complexities of empowerment through a musical lens—an exploration well worth engaging with, especially in today’s climate of activism and change.
The Wave is not just a film; it’s an anthem for those ready to make a stand.
For more insights on compelling narratives within film, visit The Hollywood Reporter.
