Is Waves Under the Sea Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 2025 release of Waves Under the Sea stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In the last summer before embarking on her journey to study abroad, eighteen-year-old Chen Xi returns to her hometown to bid farewell to the familiar fishing village that holds so many memories. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In the last summer before embarking on her journey to study abroad, eighteen-year-old Chen Xi returns to her hometown to bid farewell to the familiar fishing village that holds so many memories. Standing before the vast ocean, Chen Xi finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The sea, a symbol of freedom, also feels like an invisible cage. Everything she once cherished now seems as insignificant as grains of sand in the face of her growing maturity."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Hu Jhih-ciang, the performance in Waves Under the Sea feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by CHAN Si Ieong is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 27 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Waves Under the Sea truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Waves Under the Sea explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2025 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and CHAN Si Ieong respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Waves Under the Sea is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Hu Jhih-ciang or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Waves Under the Sea is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.