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 was selected to be screened in the out of competition category at the 79th Venice International Film Festival where it premiered in September 5, 2022.
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.