When the Waves Are Gone 2023
Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz's gripping drama-thriller *When the Waves Are Gone* (2023) plunges viewers into the psychological unraveling of Lieutenant Hermes Papauran, a seasoned investigator confronting the moral rot of his own force.
Director: Lav Diaz
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *When the Waves Are Gone* (2023) about?
The film follows Lieutenant Hermes Papauran, a top investigator whose faith in his country's brutal anti-drug campaign crumbles after he witnesses its horrors firsthand. As guilt and anxiety consume him, a mysterious skin condition erupts, forcing him to confront both his dark past and the moral decay of the system he once served.
Who directed *When the Waves Are Gone*?
The movie was directed by Lav Diaz, an acclaimed Filipino filmmaker known for his slow-burn dramas that explore social and political themes.
Who stars in *When the Waves Are Gone*?
The film features John Lloyd Cruz in the lead role, supported by Ronnie Lazaro, Shamaine Buencamino, DMs Boongaling, and Hazel Orencio.
Is *When the Waves Are Gone* (2023) worth watching?
With its intense drama-thriller blend and Lav Diaz's signature storytelling, *When the Waves Are Gone* is a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn character studies and morally complex narratives. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its themes and performances make it a standout Filipino film.
How long is *When the Waves Are Gone*?
The movie runs for 187 minutes, offering a deep dive into its characters and themes.
🎥 Trailer
About When the Waves Are Gone (2023) — A haunting thriller on justice and internal collapse
Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz's gripping drama-thriller *When the Waves Are Gone* (2023) plunges viewers into the psychological unraveling of Lieutenant Hermes Papauran, a seasoned investigator confronting the moral rot of his own force. As the anti-drug campaign rages on, Hermes becomes a firsthand witness to its brutality, igniting a storm of guilt and anxiety within him. His journey takes a harrowing turn when a severe skin condition erupts, mirroring the poison festering in his soul, while haunting echoes of his past threaten to drag him under.
Diaz crafts a slow-burning, atmospheric narrative that blends crime thriller tension with raw human drama, exploring themes of justice, complicity, and redemption. The 187-minute runtime allows for deep character study, as Hermes's internal collapse mirrors the turbulent waves of a nation grappling with violence and impunity. With John Lloyd Cruz delivering a powerhouse performance, the film balances stark realism with layered symbolism, leaving audiences to question where justice ends—and personal salvation begins.