Waves (2024) Movie Review: Journalism, Resistance, and Where to Watch Online
In a time of political turmoil and censorship, Waves (Vlny in Czech), directed and written by Jiří Mádl, surges through the screen with urgency and historical gravitas. Set in the late 1960s Czechoslovakia during the Warsaw Pact invasion, the film follows Tomáš Havlík, a young radio technician thrust into the volatile world of state-controlled media and civil resistance. Through the lens of a newsroom under siege, Waves paints a portrait of journalistic bravery, moral ambiguity, and the profound impact of truth in times of state-sponsored propaganda.
The film features a compelling ensemble cast, including Vojtěch Vodochodský as Tomáš Havlík, Ondřej Stupka as his activist brother Pavel, and standout performances from Stanislav Majer and Vojtěch Kotek. Their portrayal of real and fictional figures offers a deeply personal glimpse into the national trauma and the quiet heroism of those who refused to remain silent.
Where to Watch Waves (2024) Online in the U.S.
For American viewers eager to explore this acclaimed European film, Waves is currently available via:
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Apple TV (Czech region)
Watch directly via Apple TV Czech Republic with region-switching or VPN access. -
JustWatch U.S.
Check real-time availability across U.S. streaming platforms through JustWatch.
Currently, there is no confirmed U.S. streaming release through mainstream platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. However, based on past distribution trends for award-winning Central European cinema, it’s likely to become available on Criterion Channel, Mubi, or Kanopy for educational viewing. Keep an eye out.
A Film of Applause and Division: A Balanced Review
What Works:
1. Authentic Atmosphere and Set Design
From radio booths echoing the urgency of resistance to Prague’s cobblestone streets filled with unrest, Waves excels in historical recreation. Costume design is meticulous, capturing both the revolutionary flair and bureaucratic oppression of the era. The period-accurate hair, fabrics, and props offer visual credibility rarely matched in contemporary Central European cinema.
2. Emotional Core
At its heart, Waves isn’t just about political unrest—it’s about brotherhood, the cost of silence, and the courage required to speak. Tomáš, the protagonist, serves as the “everyman,” reluctant but morally stirred. This choice grounds the story and reminds us that resistance often starts with ordinary people pushed to extraordinary acts.
3. Strong Ensemble Cast
Though the central character is fictional, the cast makes this history feel painfully real. Stanislav Majer (as Milan Weiner) is a commanding presence whose screen time leaves a lasting impression. Supporting characters like Věra Šťovíčková and Jiří Dienstbier reflect real-life journalistic icons, making the narrative both human and historically anchored.
4. Music as Memory
The soundtrack—rock anthems and Czech ballads—triggers nostalgia and rebellion. While some critique the needle drops as manipulative or too obvious, they serve as emotional time markers for audiences less familiar with the history.
What Doesn’t Work (For Everyone):
1. Predictable Structure
To some viewers, especially those familiar with Czech political dramas, the film may feel like another “Communist-era period piece” with familiar beats—censorship, betrayal, personal loss. While the second act intensifies with thriller-like pacing, the first can drag under the weight of setup and exposition.
2. Missed Narrative Opportunities
Several critiques point to missed potential: Why wasn’t the focus on Milan Weiner or the mysterious figure who opened the radio station doors to the invading troops? Such choices could have shifted Waves from a “good film” to a truly innovative one.
3. AI-Colored Archival Footage
A significant faux pas for history buffs: some protest footage was colorized using AI. For a film that aims to preserve the past, this modern tampering has caused discontent among historians and purists alike. While the intent was likely immersive, the execution sparked controversy.
4. Romance Subplot Feels Redundant
A minor romantic angle feels tacked on. It doesn’t detract heavily from the narrative, but it doesn’t enhance it either. This may reflect a broader trend in filmmaking to appeal to wider audiences, sometimes at the cost of thematic clarity.
Thematic Relevance in 2025: Why Waves Matters Now
In a time when journalism faces renewed threats—from misinformation to political coercion—Waves is strikingly relevant. It’s less about the Cold War and more about modern media, institutional rot, and the risks journalists face in authoritarian regimes. The parallels are unmistakable, and the emotional resonance is global.
Whether you’re Czech, Slovak, or a viewer from afar, the question the film asks—what would you risk to tell the truth?—remains powerful and timely.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
Yes, especially if you value historically rooted stories, journalism under fire, or foreign films that blend resistance with rich characterization.
Waves (2024) isn’t the most groundbreaking political film ever made, but it is earnest, well-crafted, and emotionally intelligent. Its ambition may be modest, but its execution is nearly flawless within its scope. It may not redefine Czech cinema, but it certainly upholds its best traditions.
Where to Go From Here
If you enjoy international films that echo current political struggles, don’t miss Waves. Check its availability on JustWatch, or access it now via Apple TV Czech. Use a VPN for region-switching if needed.
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