The Wave

Kristian Eikjord, a geologist, takes his family to the Geiranger region for a break when the landscape suddenly erupts with force. Up above the scenic fjord a mountainside collapses, sending a massive wave racing toward the shore. The tsunami is a threat nobody was prepared for, turning a calm day into a life or death ordeal. Kristian, his wife Idun, their son Sondre, and a tight knit group of neighbors are forced to improvise as roads vanish, water floods streets, and buildings crumble around them. With time and choices weighing heavily, they must stay focused on family, friends, and the slim chance of safety as the sea keeps advancing.

Production and Release: The Wave, released in 2015, is directed by Roar Uthaug. The screenplay was crafted by John Kåre Raake, Harald Rosenløw-Eeg, and Martin Sundland, drawing on an original concept rather than a direct adaptation. The film is widely seen as a standout example of contemporary Norwegian cinema in the action thriller space.

Box Office: Box office figures are not provided here. The movie had a Nordic release and found a dedicated audience for its brisk disaster storytelling, with particular appeal to fans of tense survival dramas and grounded, non fantastical effects.

Cultural Impact: The Wave helped draw attention to Norwegian genre cinema and showcased Roar Uthaug's knack for practical effects and claustrophobic suspense. The film contributed to expanding international interest in Nordic thrillers and served as a stepping stone for Uthaug's later project Tomb Raider, strengthening his reputation among genre filmmakers and audiences worldwide.

Reception & Themes: Critics noted the film's lean storytelling and strong ensemble work, with emphasis on resilience under pressure and the collision between science and nature. It examines how families cope in the face of sudden catastrophe, portraying teamwork, improvisation, and moral choices under extreme strain, without leaning on sentimentality.