is a 2008 German socio-political thriller directed by Dennis Gansel that explores how easily fascist ideologies can take root in modern society . Set in a contemporary German high school, it follows a social experiment that spirals into a dangerous real-world movement. Historical and Literary Origins

The film is a modernized adaptation of true events and previous literary works:

Director Dennis Gansel was partially inspired by his grandfather, a former member of the National Political Academy (NAPOLA), which helped him understand the "seduction and psychology" behind fascism. Plot Summary

The movie draws from the 1981 novel The Wave by Todd Strasser (writing as Morton Rhue) and a 1981 U.S. TV special.