In Waves and War (2024)
Documentary
Stream itif you are interested in powerful, intimate portraits of military trauma and pioneering mental health treatments.
A compassionate look at trauma and the unconventional paths toward recovery, focusing on the human capacity to heal through new therapies. It is an emotionally heavy but ultimately hopeful documentary for those interested in mental health and veterans' stories.
What it is about
Three Navy SEALs leave their tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with treatment-resistant, unrelenting psychological pain. They find themselves at the cutting edge of a different frontline: a lifesaving psychedelic therapy that brings healing to a community in urgent need.
Trailer
What In Waves and War is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
Watching this film is a deeply intimate and often intense experience. It balances the stark, painful reality of post-service trauma with a gentle, observational style. The pacing allows for quiet reflection as the subjects recount their struggles, ensuring the weight of their experiences is felt without becoming voyeuristic. The transition from despair to the hallucinogenic therapeutic process is handled with visual sensitivity and a sense of profound relief.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
This is essential viewing for anyone curious about the intersection of veteran affairs and alternative medicine. It avoids political posturing, focusing instead on the raw human cost of modern warfare. However, viewers sensitive to discussions of suicide or severe depression should be aware that the early segments are particularly heavy. It is not a clinical medical study but a character-driven narrative, so those seeking dense scientific data might find it slight.
The right evening for it
It suits a quiet evening of serious contemplation. It is best watched when you have the mental space to engage with difficult themes while remaining open to a message of resilience.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
How In Waves and War leaves you
One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.
Expect to feel a mixture of heavy sombreness and cautious optimism. It leaves you reflecting on the hidden scars of war and the radical empathy required to mend them.
If you like this, try
How to Change Your Mind (2022)
the exploration of psychedelic therapy's potential for healing deep psychological wounds
Father Soldier Son (2020)
a long-term, intimate observation of the physical and mental tolls of military service
Suggested by our AI for what they share with this one. Linked titles have a page here; the rest are worth a search on the browse page.
Questions people ask
- Is In Waves and War a feel-good documentary?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Feel-Good. A compassionate look at trauma and the unconventional paths toward recovery, focusing on the human capacity to heal through new therapies. It is an emotionally heavy but ultimately hopeful documentary for those interested in mental health and veterans' stories.
- How long is In Waves and War?
- In Waves and War runs 108 min and was released in 2024.
- Where can I watch In Waves and War in Australia?
- In Australia, In Waves and War is included with Netflix (all plans).
- Is In Waves and War worth watching?
- Stream it: if you are interested in powerful, intimate portraits of military trauma and pioneering mental health treatments. TMDB users rate it 6.8 out of 10 from 8 votes.
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