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In Waves and War poster

In Waves and War

Parents guide · ClearAge age 16+ · Official PG-13

Movie 2024 108 min Documentary Checked by Dan S · 21 Oct 2026
Official Rating PG-13 ClearAge 16+

No Australia rating available — showing United States

Why our age differs

Official is US PG-13. We say 16+ because veteran suicide talk and combat trauma run through the whole film, not just one scene

What we flagged

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Violence
Moderate
Frightening
Moderate
Language
Strong

Our take

This documentary stays with three veterans and their families as they talk about panic, rage, and suicide after combat. War news clips and frank interview language run through the whole film, alongside scenes of legal psychedelic treatment and ocean therapy. A quick kiss at deployment goodbye is the only romance beat. We land at 16 and up because the suicide talk and trauma stories are steady, not a single rough scene

Uplifting themes

Brotherhood, asking for help, and trying unconventional care when nothing else worked sit at the center. Surfing and therapy both become lifelines The featured SEALs are blunt yet devoted to their families and team. Clinicians and surf mentors show up as steady, caring guides Parents and teens learn how combat trauma can linger and what community-based treatment can look like. It is frank about limits and risks of psychedelic therapy

Story (may spoil tone)

Three Navy SEALs leave their tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with treatment-resistant, unrelenting psychological pain. They find themselves at the cutting edge of a different frontline: a lifesaving psychedelic therapy that brings healing to a community in urgent need.

What we flagged

View all categories

Violence
Moderate
Frightening
Moderate
Language
Strong

Details

Violence Moderate News clips and veteran stories describe firefights, ambushes, and explo…

News clips and veteran stories describe firefights, ambushes, and explosions from Iraq and Afghanistan. Nothing is staged for shock, but combat loss sits beside surf footage throughout

Language Strong The SEALs and their families swear constantly in interviews, with the f…

The SEALs and their families swear constantly in interviews, with the f-word and s-word woven into grief and dark humor. Clean stretches are rare once the talking starts

Drugs / alcohol Moderate Whiskey shows up in rough nights at home, and the film follows legal ps…

Whiskey shows up in rough nights at home, and the film follows legal psychedelic therapy sessions for PTSD. The medical side is serious, not party use

Frightening Moderate Nightmare talk, panic, and hypervigilance come up as veterans describe…

Nightmare talk, panic, and hypervigilance come up as veterans describe life after combat. War footage and surf wipeouts add jolts without horror-movie framing

Self-harm / suicide Strong Several men speak plainly about wanting to die, lying to loved ones, an…

Several men speak plainly about wanting to die, lying to loved ones, and teammates lost to suicide. Statistics on veteran suicide are read aloud in one section

Bullying / discrimination Mild One veteran recalls a school bully breaking his nose as a kid. It is a…

One veteran recalls a school bully breaking his nose as a kid. It is a short childhood aside, not a running theme

Gore / death / weapons Mild Archive war video shows weapons and blasts at a distance. Blood is not…

Archive war video shows weapons and blasts at a distance. Blood is not the focus, but guns and explosions recur in the montage

Mental health Strong PTSD, depression, and anxiety drive the whole story, from failed pills…

PTSD, depression, and anxiety drive the whole story, from failed pills to group therapy and ibogaine treatment. Viewers spend long stretches inside panic, numbness, and recovery

Grief / bereavement Moderate Military friends mourn comrades who died in action and by suicide. Home…

Military friends mourn comrades who died in action and by suicide. Homecoming joy keeps colliding with who did not make it back

Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

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Talk after watching

  • These men describe hiding suicidal thoughts from the people who love them. What would make it easier for someone you know to speak up?
  • The film shows both traditional care and experimental therapy. What questions would you want answered before trying a new treatment?