Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature German teen drama explores extremism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
We Are the Wave
What's the Story?
Loosely based on the 1981 American novel, The Wave, WE ARE THE WAVE is a German series about a group of teens whose plans to band together and fight against injustice take a dark turn. A new, troubled student named Tristan Broch (Ludwig Simon) befriends social misfits Zazie Elsner (Michelle Barthel), Rahim Hadad (Mohamed Issa), and Hagen Lemmart (Daniel Friedl), and encourages them to join him in an idealistic social movement designed to resist the increasingly conservative establishment. He also inspires the privileged, but restless, Lea Helst (Luise Befort) to join them. Calling themselves "The Wave," they set out to protest and take stands against corporate greed, anti-environmentalism, and other social ills. But soon the group becomes more radicalized, and Tristan propels them towards committing violent, illegal acts, raising questions about what is personally motivating him.
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining teen series, which is dubbed in English, offers a troubling exploration of social conformity mixed with coming-of-age drama. The story, which draws from a 1960s social experiment designed to show how quickly fascism spread in the 1930s, offers a contemporary example of how quickly any extreme movement can take hold of a society when the need for group acceptance is prioritized, and violence is justified. But We Are The Wave successfully weaves in romance, teen angst, bullying, and other themes that will appeal to a younger audience. The sociopolitical messages are not understated or subtle, which may be a turn off for some viewers. But if you're looking for a well-produced story that has something to say about today's state of the world, this one will be worth watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the topics addressed in this story. When is it appropriate to stage protests or go against authority? Is violence ever a justifiable way of making a point when doing so?
What are some of the warnings We Are The Wave gives us about extremism and society? Do they apply to what's happening in our world today?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 1, 2019
- Cast : Ludwig Simon , Michelle Barthel , Luise Befort
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 31, 2022
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