Performance & Direction: The Last Wave Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Last Wave (1977) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. 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 Last Wave features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Chamberlain . Supported by the likes of Olivia Hamnett and David Gulpilil , 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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Last Wave (1977) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Last Wave
Quick Plot Summary: The Last Wave is a Drama, Mystery, Fantasy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Last Wave
Ending Breakdown: The Last 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, 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 Last Wave reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Last Wave?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The Last Wave
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $825.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Last Wave Budget
The estimated production budget for The Last Wave is $825.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Last Wave
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Last Wave Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
HBO Max
HBO Max Amazon Channel
YouTube TV
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVFandango At HomeThe Last Wave Parents Guide & Age Rating
1977 AdvisoryWondering about The Last Wave age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Last Wave is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Last Wave stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1977 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Last Wave worth watching?
The Last Wave is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Last Wave parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Last Wave identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Last Wave?
The total duration of The Last Wave is 106 minutes, which is approximately 1h 46m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Last Wave
How The Last Wave Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Last Wave
No reviews found for this filter.
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.
Useful Links
More with Richard Chamberlain
