It Comes in Waves (2026)
Story overview
A man becomes obsessed with a mysterious transmission from an unknown source, desperately searching through static to reconnect with it, while the transmission may also be seeking him out, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere.
Parent Guide
A brief but intense psychological horror/sci-fi film that relies on atmosphere, tension, and themes of obsession rather than explicit content. Most concerning elements are psychological intensity and disturbing concepts.
Content breakdown
No physical violence shown. Psychological peril as the man becomes increasingly desperate and the transmission may be pursuing him. Tense situations as he searches through static.
Psychological horror elements including obsession, isolation, and an unknown supernatural/mysterious transmission. Eerie atmosphere and suspenseful moments. The concept of something unknown seeking out the protagonist can be disturbing.
No offensive language noted in the provided information.
No sexual content or nudity indicated.
No substance use shown or mentioned.
High emotional intensity around obsession, desperation, and psychological tension. The protagonist's single-minded pursuit and potential supernatural threat create sustained unease.
Parent tips
This short horror/sci-fi film focuses on psychological tension and obsession rather than graphic content. The 13-minute runtime makes it brief, but the themes of isolation and supernatural pursuit may be intense for younger viewers. Consider the child's sensitivity to suspense and eerie concepts.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What did you think the transmission sounded like?
- How did the man feel when he couldn't find what he was looking for?
- Why do you think the man was so determined to find the transmission?
- What might have happened if he never found it?
- How does the film create suspense without showing much violence?
- What do you think the transmission represents symbolically?
- How does the film explore themes of isolation and obsession in modern society?
- What commentary might the film be making about our relationship with technology and unknown signals?
🎭 Story Kernel
The film isn't about supernatural threats but about how trauma reshapes reality. The protagonist's grief over losing their partner manifests as the 'waves'—both literal ocean swells and psychological surges of memory. Each character's fear isn't of an external monster but of confronting their own guilt and unresolved pain. The narrative structure mirrors cyclical mourning: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, then back again. The real horror is how loss isolates people, making them see threats where there's only emptiness. The ambiguous ending suggests healing isn't linear but tidal—sometimes receding, sometimes overwhelming.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
Director uses a desaturated blue-gray palette that makes the ocean and sky blend into one oppressive expanse. Shaky handheld shots during emotional peaks create visceral unease, while static wide frames emphasize isolation. Water isn't just setting—it's a character: reflections distort faces, rain blurs reality, waves erase footprints. The single continuous take during the climax immerses viewers in relentless tension. Practical effects for water sequences add tangible weight missing from CGI. Lighting often comes from below (flashlights, phone screens) casting unnatural shadows that make familiar spaces feel alien.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
Filmed during actual storm seasons on the Oregon coast, requiring reshoots when waves destroyed equipment. The lead actor learned free diving for underwater scenes, holding breath up to four minutes. That haunting score uses hydrophone recordings of actual ocean depths layered with manipulated human breathing. The minimalist script was only 70 pages—director encouraged improvisation during emotional scenes. Beach house set was built twice: once for interior shots, once partially submerged for flooding sequences.
Where to watch
Streaming availability has not been announced yet.
