Short answer
It is on purpose. Tyler’s half goes from 1.85 to 2.40, then wider, then closes to a boxy 1.33 as his world closes in. Emily’s half starts at 1.33, opens up and returns to 1.85, where the film began. Shults says he treats the changes like chapter markers.
The ratios, in order
Aspect ratios in Waves, per the ASC interview
| Part | Ratios | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler’s half | 1.85, 2.40, 2.66, 3.0, 1.33 | Widens as his life speeds up, then closes in to a box. |
| Emily’s half | 1.33, 2.66, 1.85 | Starts closed, opens with love, settles at the opening shape. |
Source: American Society of Cinematographers interview with Shults. Some reports give 2.40 for the anamorphic stage; the ASC lists 2.66, the native anamorphic ratio for the camera sensor used.
What Shults says
- He sometimes treats the ratio changes like chapter markers, and usually goes to black between them (ASC).
- Anamorphic lenses mark Tyler’s substance use, and in Emily’s half they stand for love. "Anamorphic is another layer that gets you closer to the character’s head state."
- The round lens flares came from a spherical Panavision Ultra Speed 40mm, a happy accident: "We discovered them with one of our Panavision lenses."
Who shot it
Drew Daniels, who also shot Krisha and It Comes at Night, was both cinematographer and camera operator. Colorist: Damien Van Der Cruyssen (ASC). More on the team: Trey Edward Shults.
Watching at home
Every copy carries the changes, from the Blu-ray to the digital rentals. The changes line up with turns in the story; the plot summary has the events behind spoiler warnings.
Questions people ask
Why is Waves in a box shape near the middle?
The 1.33 frame is the narrowest point. Shults calls it more claustrophobic and a beautiful ratio for faces, which suits both the end of Tyler’s half and the start of Emily’s.
Should I change my TV settings for Waves?
No. Leave the picture on its normal or original setting. Zooming to fill the screen will crop the frame changes the film depends on.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Streaming catalogs and listings change; check the service before you pay.