Breaking the Waves (1996)

In the austere, deeply devout north of Scotland, a tale of love, sacrifice, and faith unfolds in the form of Breaking the Waves. Our protagonist, Bess McNeill, a young woman of uncomplicated innocence, resides in a sternly religious coastal hamlet. She finds herself irrevocably drawn to Jan, a Danish oil-rig worker, a man whose life is as untamed as the sea he works on. As their love story takes root against the stark contrast of the community's disapproval, Bess finds herself praying fervently to God for Jan's permanent return from the oil-rig. Her prayers, however, are answered in a cruel twist of fate. Jan returns, not with the vibrancy of love, but with the stillness of a debilitating accident that leaves him with a broken neck. Now, their passionate relationship is marred by the impossibility of physical intimacy. In a desperate bid to keep their love alive, Jan urges Bess to seek sexual solace in another's arms and share the experiences with him. As Bess embarks on this unconventional path, her actions grow increasingly deviant. Yet, she remains convinced that she's divinely guided, believing her sacrifice is the miracle cure to restore Jan's health. Breaking the Waves is a deeply moving exploration of love's boundaries, a woman's faith, and the lengths one is willing to go for the one they love. It's a poignant narrative that will leave viewers contemplating long after the end credits roll.

Breaking the Waves is a drama movie featuring Emily Watson.

Breaking the Waves is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Breaking the Waves on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.