An inquisitive approach to bipolar disorder in Aotearoa New Zealand, TAUREWAREWA – a Māori word describing the pressure building as a wave rises – positions the ocean's moods behind those of the interview subjects as they recount and describe phases of experiencing the disorder.

After being discharged from the hospital following a failed suicide attempt, Jisoo shares a tense ride home with her younger sister, Jane. Fearing the remnants of her attempt will further traumatize Jane, Jisoo sends her away with a promise to call later.

A couple looks back on the road trip that transformed their relationship and confronts the fear and vulnerability of falling in love.

After witnessing a fatal car accident in 2004, Mischa Jakupcak experienced an acute psychotic episode. She discovered and reframed her world anew through photos she took with disposable cameras which she smuggled into and out of the psych ward.