The cadence of new blockbuster surf films has dwindled down to a kinked-hose trickle. Last year we got Noah, which as I’ve said, was awesome, but compared to “the good old days” when Joe G and Kai Neville were sparring with world premieres every year during the US Open and each brand made it a priority to make and promote massive surf films — we’re in dire times.

Today though, there is hope, we have life as Trilogy: New Wave — the long awaited ode to the 2007 original from Taylor Steele is here. And surf stars are born.

Trilogy: New Wave stars Griffin Colapinto, Seth Moniz and Ethan Ewing and is directed by Andrew Mackenzie — another Taylor Steele protege who brings an arsenal of incredible camera gear and storylines to what is already a well-surfed film.

Before my snap review of my first screening last night, here are links to get the film today on Apple TV or Amazon Prime.

Below is a list of theaters where you can watch it live — which I highly encourage you do. This is a film that needs to be seen loud and large.

And now my snap review.

This is easily the most progressively shot surf film of all-time. I don’t utter, “Whoah that shot was insane often (seen a lot of surf movies) but I must have said it like 20 times last night. Excited to see it on a proper movie screen tonight as well. The black and white vignettes between scenes are beautiful and feel fresh. And the drone shots, (especially in Peru) blew my mind.

The story is solid — my perspective on Ethan changed radically (he’s a silent assassin and I like that more than what I used to think) so a new hero is made. I always knew Griffin’s personality was that of a goofy alpha and he remains goofy…Ethan may be the alpha though, quietly. He catapults into a new form of intrigue throughout the film and that’s good filmmaking. Changed my perspective completely.

Seth has always been likable but he really balances Ethan and Griffin nicely and kinda comes out being the most pleasant dude of all-time and the Seth Moniz montage intro part is the best “part” Iv’e seen in a really ling time — like really defines Seth perfectly and it’s fucking sick. The song, his surfing, his vibe all gel and it’s a re-watcher for sure. That got me psyched between it all, make sure you highlight that part.

This is a surf film with a story, insane cinematography, ultra high-end production that didn’t sacrifice the ultimate surf film goal: Make me wanna go surf. Check, check, check.

The homages to the original felt well placed but this film certainly stands on its own.

The film is a solid contribution to the surf film vault. My only suggestion: Next time, let’s get three dudes who don’t like each other so much…Gabe? John? Italo? Ethan? What are you all up to next year?—Travis Ferré