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Making Waves

Name: Making Waves
Director: George Saunders
Released: 1994
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

1994

TV-MA

Director

George Saunders

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Making Waves uses a high-concept fantasy framework to explore human morality through a celestial lens. The narrative's strength lies in its potential to challenge traditional cosmic orders via its female protagonist, Maya. However, the film lacks any verifiable data regarding racial or ethnic diversity, which limits the overall diversity profile of the work. While the plot touches on unconventional belief systems, the lack of specific identity-based character details prevents a more comprehensive assessment of its social representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Making Waves have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any specific characters with LGBTQ+ identities. The fantasy setting could have allowed for diverse social explorations, but no such characters are mentioned.

How does Making Waves portray gender?

Fair

Maya, an apprentice angel, serves as the main character. She plays a significant role in driving the plot and represents female empowerment within the celestial hierarchy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Making Waves?

Minimal

The narrative does not provide any information about the racial or ethnic backgrounds of the characters. The story focuses solely on the interpersonal dynamics of the central group.

How does Making Waves represent religion and culture?

Good

The story challenges traditional religious frameworks through its celestial hierarchy. Bill's unconventional beliefs offer a narrative space for exploring subjective truths and reimagining divine structures.

Does Making Waves include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no explicit mention of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Bill's perceived madness is a central plot point, but its portrayal remains undefined.

Present on Screen

Maya, the female protagonist, drives the central mission and holds a significant role in driving the story.
The fantasy premise allows for a critique of traditional religious and divine hierarchies.
The narrative explores subjective morality and the disruption of conventional reality.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks any visible representation of racial or ethnic diversity.
There is no clear evidence of neurodivergent or physical disability representation.
The absence of explicit LGBTQ+ character details results in a neutral identity profile.

Official Synopsis

Up in Heaven, the angelic supervisor Gideon sends the apprentice angel Maya down to Earth to earn her wings by sorting out the lives of a group of friends. When Jim learns that his good friend Bill has gone mad and now believes in an invisible talking bear called Oswald, he agrees to bring their group of friends back together for the first time in 12 years for a yacht trip.

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