When the Waves Are Gone () is a 2022 Philippine drama film written and directed by Lav Diaz. It stars John Lloyd Cruz, Ronnie Lazaro, Shamaine Buencamino, and Don Melvin Boongaling.
The film had its world premiere out of competition of the 79th Venice International Film Festival in 5 September 2022. At the 53rd International Film Festival of India, Diaz won the IFFI Special Jury Award and Special Mention.
Premise One of the top investigators in the Philippines, Lieutenant Hermes Papauran (John Lloyd Cruz), is at a moral crossroads. He witnesses first-hand the brutal anti-drug campaign that the police forces he is part of are implementing with dedication. Hermes is being physically and spiritually corroded by the crimes, leading to him catching a severe skin condition brought on by anxiety and guilt. As he tries to heal, a troubled history that haunts him eventually comes back for a reckoning.
Cast
John Lloyd Cruz Ronnie Lazaro Shamaine Buencamino Don Melvin Boongaling Anna Vilela de Costa Monica Calle Lucinda Loureiro Ronaliza Jintalan Aryanne Gollena Roel Laguerta Neil Alvin Danila Ledesma Reception When the Waves Are Gone has an approval rating of 86% on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 7 reviews, and an average rating of 6.5/10.
Prequel and sequel In 2023, Diaz premiered Essential Truths of the Lake, which is a prequel to When Waves Are Gone, at the Locarno Film Festival. It was later announced that a third entry was in production that would complete The Hermes Trilogy.
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