The First Wave

HistoryDocumentary

2021, Movie, 1h 34min

When Covid-19 hit New York City in 2020, filmmaker Matthew Heineman gained unique access to one of New York’s hardest-hit hospital systems. The resulting film focuses on the doctors, nurses, and patients on the frontlines during the “first wave” from March to June 2020. Their distinct storylines each serve as a microcosm to understand how the city persevered through the worst pandemic in a century

Country: United States

Director:

Cast:

Where to Watch The First Wave online

Select your country to find out where to watch "The First Wave".

Ratings

Your rating:

IMDb rating

Visit page

7.1

Critic rating

Average critic rating

8.0

Reviews

Critic Cath Clarke

rated

It’s an intimate documentary: hard to watch but not gruelling.

Read full review at The Guardian

Critic David Ehrlich

rated

...overwhelmingly emotional.

Read full review at Indie Wire

Skip this

Frequently asked questions

What is The First Wave about? Toggle content

"The First Wave" is a powerful and unflinching look at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. With exclusive access to one of New York City's hardest-hit hospitals during the terrifying first four months of the pandemic, this documentary spotlights the everyday heroes who came together to fight one of the greatest threats the world has ever faced. Through personal and intimate storytelling, "The First Wave" reveals how structural factors influenced the initial COVID outbreak and how they continue to impact American society today. Nominated for an Academy Award® and directed by Emmy®-winning filmmaker Matthew Heineman, this film is a gripping and emotional journey into the heart of a crisis that changed the world forever.

Where can I stream The First Wave? Toggle content

You can stream The First Wave on: Hulu

What movies are similar to The First Wave? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The First Wave include They Shall Not Grow Old, What They Found, Battle of Jutland: The Navy's Bloodiest Day, The Greatest Night in Pop, Le Ride, Tune Into the Future.