The Perfect Wave

The Perfect Wave

Directed by Bruce Macdonald

Produced by Divine Inspiration, The Fabulous Boomtown Boys

201494 min4.9 / 10

A warm, adventure-driven biographical drama about friendship and personal transformation set against the backdrop of surfing and the ocean.

The true story of Ian McCormack who grew up surfing the waters of New Zealand. Wanting to dive deeper, Ian sets out on a journey with his best friend that will change his life as they chase the perfect wave.

Questions people ask

  • Does The Perfect Wave end with hope? Yes. More hopeful than 85% of films.

  • Is The Perfect Wave scary? Barely. Less frightening than 84% of films.

  • Is The Perfect Wave easy watching? Yes. More comforting than 82% of films.

  • Is The Perfect Wave violent? Barely. Less violent than 76% of films.

  • Is The Perfect Wave sad? Not especially. Less sad than 67% of films.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

15/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Conventional, and it does not land.

Rarity63

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise3

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love4

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like The Perfect Wave

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as The Perfect Wave

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like The Perfect Wave, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like The Perfect Wave, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like The Perfect Wave, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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