The 5th Wave (2016) is a science fiction thriller directed by J Blakeson, based on Rick Yancey’s novel of the same name. The film follows teenager Cassie Sullivan (Chloë Grace Moretz) as she navigates a world devastated by a series of alien attacks, known as “waves,” aiming to annihilate humanity. Cassie embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her younger brother, encountering other survivors and facing moral dilemmas along the way
The film received predominantly negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 17% approval rating based on 143 reviews, with an average rating of 4.3/10. The consensus states: “With unimpressive effects and plot points seemingly pieced together from previous dystopian young adult sci-fi films, The 5th Wave ends up feeling like more of a limp, derivative wriggle.” Metacritic reports a score of 33 out of 100, indicating “generally unfavorable reviews.
Critics pointed out the film’s reliance on familiar tropes from other young adult dystopian narratives. Roxana Hadadi from Chesapeake Family Magazine described it as “boring and cringingly overwrought, with a bland protagonist, a completely nonsensical story, and another teen love triangle.” Similarly, Time magazine noted that the film “can barely distinguish itself from other recent teen-dystopia dramas,” criticizing its predictable plot and lack of originality.
Despite the critical reception, The 5th Wave grossed $109.9 million worldwide against a production budget of $54 million. In North America, it earned $34.9 million, with an opening weekend gross of $10.3 million, finishing sixth at the box office during its debut.
While The 5th Wave features a committed performance from Chloë Grace Moretz, it struggles to offer a fresh perspective within the young adult dystopian genre. Its derivative plot and lack of character development contribute to its underwhelming impact. Viewers seeking innovative storytelling may find the film lacking, but fans of the genre might still appreciate its familiar themes and action sequences.
