Then suddenly, radically, the narrative shifts. The rest of this story is Emily’s to tell, because this was never just one person’s story. Nothing ever is. Life is a series of inter-connected moments, explored here in gorgeous 3-D.

Emily retreats even further from the world after her brother’s breakdown, but finally begins to heal when she meets a sweet boy at school, Luke (Lucas Hedges) and goes on to nurse him through a tragedy of his own. In this role, Russell is tender, astute and utterly engaging; Shults has uncovered a true talent.

It’s the pace of this film that truly sets it apart. While the first half of Waves is dizzying, sometimes unbearably tense and explodes with bright colours, the second part shifts into something slower and more languid, as if to reflect the softer, calmer – and more isolated – way Emily moves through the world. And the soundtrack, which features artists such as Kendrick Lamar, H.E.R. and SZA, is absolutely banging throughout.

There is much more to say about the plot of Waves, but to do so puts us at risk of spoilers. All you need to know is this: it’s the emotional gut-punch this pallid January needs.

Waves film review: an emotionally-charged take on family, love and grief