The Wave

The Wave is a Norwegian disaster film set in the village of Geiranger, beneath the steep mountain slopes that overlook the Geiranger fjord. Kristian Eikjord, an experienced geologist who monitors the mountain for signs of collapse, is preparing to leave the area with his wife and children for a new job elsewhere. On his last day at the early warning centre, instruments record unusual movement in the rock above the fjord. His warnings meet initial disbelief before the unstable slope gives way, sending a massive wave toward the town and leaving those below with only minutes to reach safety.

Roar Uthaug directed the film, which followed Cold Prey and Escape and preceded Tomb Raider, Troll and Troll 2. The screenplay was written by Harald Rosenløw-Eeg and John Kåre Raake, with Martin Sundland and Are Haydenström producing. Kristoffer Joner plays Kristian, Ane Dahl Torp plays Idun Karlsen, Jonas Hoff Oftebro and Edith Haagenrud-Sande play the couple's children Sondre and Julia, and Fridtjov Såheim and Laila Goody also appear.

Made for about 6 million dollars, the film took roughly 13 million worldwide, a strong return that made it one of Norway's more widely seen productions of its period. Audiences rate it at 6.6 on IMDb from about 46,000 votes and 6.7 on TMDB, while its critics' rating stands at 6.6 from 109 reviews, so critical and viewer responses sit closely together.