Waves 2019

Tyler Williams, a well-liked senior leading the wrestling team, navigates the complexities of adolescence while grappling with deep personal challenges. In his free time, he enjoys partying with friends and spending time with his girlfriend, Alexis Lopez. However, he’s constantly under the intense pressure of his overbearing father, Ronald, who pushes him relentlessly to achieve more. Tyler’s stepmother, Catharine, shows empathy towards his struggles, attempting to bridge the gap between them.

Unbeknownst to his family and teammates, Tyler is silently enduring a painful SLAP tear in his shoulder. He resorts to secretly taking painkillers from Ronald to manage his condition. A doctor’s visit alerts him to the seriousness of the injury, urging immediate surgery. Yet, Tyler is unwilling to put his wrestling season on hold and chooses to continue competing. Unfortunately, during a crucial match, he suffers a serious injury, leading to irreversible damage that abruptly ends his season and future in the sport.

Amidst this turmoil, a text from Alexis divulges troubling news—her period is late. Tyler takes her to a clinic for an abortion, but they encounter a group of pro-life protesters outside. This moment prompts Alexis to reconsider their situation, leading to a tumultuous disagreement where Tyler expresses his fears about fatherhood at such a young age and in light of his injuries. Feeling disregarded, Alexis storms off, leaving Tyler distraught.

In a downward spiral, Tyler turns to substance abuse at parties, only to find solace in his younger sister, Emily. As Tyler attempts to reconnect with Alexis, she reveals her decision to keep the baby, bolstered by family support. When Tyler confronts her about the situation, she breaks up with him and blocks him from contacting her, inciting a furious reaction from Tyler that results in him damaging his belongings.

On the night of the school dance, Tyler’s grief and anger mount as he sees Alexis enjoying herself online. Fueled by drugs, he clashes with Catharine and escapes in Ronald’s truck. At a house party, he witnesses Alexis with another boy, igniting jealousy and rage in him. In a fit of anger, Tyler confronts her and, in a tragic turn of events, assaults her, leading to catastrophic consequences that forever change their lives. Tyler’s desperate escape ends with his arrest after he is found running away.

Despite his guilty plea, Tyler faces life in prison for second-degree murder after Alexis succumbs to her injuries, and he must confront the reality of a thirty-year wait for parole.

Amid Alexis’s passing, Emily retreats from social media, struggling with her grief and anger towards Tyler. This burden is compounded by Ronald and Catharine’s escalating disputes over Tyler. Eventually, Ronald reaches out to Emily, encouraging her to let go of her resentment and reinforcing his love for both his children. Their conversation helps to mend their relationship.

Meanwhile, Emily’s bonds with classmate Luke deepen, leading to a romantic entanglement. She accompanies him as he seeks closure with his estranged father, who, despite being gravely ill, finds renewed strength upon their visit. The emotional turmoil culminates when Luke’s father passes away, prompting Emily to support him during his time of loss.

Upon her return to Miami, Emily embraces her emotions by visiting Tyler in prison and offering her condolences to Alexis’s family. As she gradually finds peace with her own grief, Emily restores her relationship with Ronald, marking a new chapter of healing and understanding in the wake of tragedy.