In a German high school, a sociology teacher decides to conduct a social experiment to teach his students about autocracy and power. Instead of simply giving them a boring lecture, he creates a movement called "The Wave," where he establishes strict rules and fosters an atmosphere of discipline and camaraderie. At first, the students feel intrigued and motivated. The idea of belonging to something greater than themselves provides them with a sense of identity and community.
However, what begins as a simple educational activity quickly spirals into darkness. As excitement and euphoria grow, the group becomes more exclusive and aggressive. What started as a harmless experiment begins to show its sinister side when some students become extremely devoted and start to bully and marginalize their classmates who do not align with the group's ideology. The teacher, initially thrilled by the project's success, begins to lose control of the situation, and the consequences become increasingly dangerous.
As the tension intensifies, the experiment's message becomes a powerful call to reflect on human nature, manipulation, and how easily one can fall into the trap of authoritarianism. The story culminates in a shocking conclusion that will make everyone question how far they are willing to go in the name of belonging.