The 65th edition of Cannes Critics’ Week just did something it hasn’t done in over six decades: it opened with an animated film. That film is In Waves, a project that is already being hailed as a masterpiece of emotional storytelling. If you’ve spent any time in a bookstore over the last few years, you’ve likely seen the 2019 graphic novel by AJ Dungo with its iconic blue-and-white cover. Now, that story has been brought to life by director Phuong Mai Nguyen, and the result is a stylish, heartbreaking tearjerker that is as much about the history of surfing as it is about the crushing weight of grief.
What is the In Waves movie about? It is a poignant animated adaptation of AJ Dungo’s graphic novel, directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen. The film follows the star-crossed love story of AJ and Kristen, a skateboarder and a surfer, whose relationship is tested by a battle with cancer, all while weaving in the rich, complex history of Hawaiian surfing culture.
The Historic Significance of 'In Waves' at Cannes 2026
There is a specific kind of prestige associated with the Cannes Film Festival, but animation has often been relegated to sidebars or "family-friendly" slots. In Waves shattered that glass ceiling as the Cannes Critics Week 2026 opener. This is the first time in the sidebar’s 65-year history that an animated feature has been given the opening night honors. It’s a massive signal to the industry that animation isn’t a genre—it’s a medium capable of the highest level of dramatic weight.
Produced by Paris-based Silex Films in co-production with Anonymous Content and France 3 Cinéma, the film is a 91-minute French-Belgian co-production. While it features a California surfing world setting, the craftsmanship is distinctly European. Director Phuong Mai Nguyen, a graduate of the legendary Les Gobelins animation school, brings a level of visual sophistication that justifies the hype. This isn't just a "cartoon"; it’s an autobiographical film that uses its hand-drawn aesthetic to capture memories in a way live-action simply cannot.
Is 'In Waves' Based on a True Story? AJ Dungo’s Inspiration
The short answer: Yes, and that’s why it hits so hard. This In Waves movie review wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the raw, lived-in reality of the source material. The film is based on AJ Dungo’s real-life relationship with his late girlfriend. In the movie, we follow AJ, a reserved high school student who expresses himself through drawing and skateboarding, and Kristen, a "gutsy" surfer who pulls him out of his shell.
The narrative doesn’t follow a linear path. Instead, it moves like a tide—pulling back into the past and pushing forward into a future marked by loss. We see the "clumsy meet-cute" in a Los Angeles high school, the evolution from friendship to a committed partnership, and the sudden, middle-of-the-night health crisis that changes everything. Because it’s based on an autobiographical film, the stakes feel immediate. When AJ is on screen, you aren't just watching a character; you’re watching a surrogate for the author trying to process a teen tragedy through his art.
The Voice Cast: Stephanie Hsu and Will Sharpe
One of the biggest draws for English-speaking audiences is the powerhouse duo leading the In Waves animated film. Stephanie Hsu In Waves provides the voice of Kristen, and she brings a "spunk" and vivacity to the role that makes the eventual tragedy even more difficult to stomach. Hsu, known for her range in everything from Everything Everywhere All At Once to Broadway, captures Kristen’s freedom in the ocean perfectly.
Opposite her, Will Sharpe In Waves voices AJ. Sharpe, who has become a household name through The White Lotus and his own directorial work like Flowers, delivers a performance rooted in vulnerability. His portrayal of AJ’s "aquaphobia" and his slow-burn transformation into a surfer is subtle and moving. The chemistry between Hsu and Sharpe anchors the "star-crossed love story" in a way that feels grounded, even when the visuals become abstract.
For those curious about the international versions, the French-language cast is equally stacked, featuring Lyna Khoudri and Rio Vega. Both versions were screened at Cannes, and while the English cast brings a specific SoCal energy, the French performance is said to lean into the film's poetic, existential undertones.
Surfing History: The Legacy of Duke Kahanamoku
One of the most unique elements of the AJ Dungo In Waves movie is how it functions as a documentary of sorts. Kristen doesn't just teach AJ how to catch a wave; she teaches him (and the audience) about surfing history. The film dedicates significant space to Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, and the historical struggle of Native Hawaiian culture.
- Cultural Erasure: The film explores how missionaries in Hawaii once outlawed surfing, viewing it as a pagan distraction.
- The Hawaiian Princess: A recurring black-and-white sequence follows an imagined Hawaiian princess, serving as a symbolic parallel to Kristen’s own bravery.
- Philippine American Representation: The characters’ cultural identity is woven in naturally, from snippets of Tagalog spoken by Kristen’s father to the specific family dynamics of the California coast.
By framing the personal story of AJ and Kristen against the centuries-old history of the sport, Nguyen elevates the film from a standard cancer drama to a meditation on how we use the natural world to heal.
Animation Style: From Les Gobelins to the Big Screen
The Les Gobelins animation style In Waves is a masterclass in "less is more." The film utilizes a hand-drawn animation aesthetic that feels like a sketchbook come to life. The use of color is highly intentional:
- The Present: Sun-kissed watercolor palettes of coastal Southern California.
- Historical Sequences: Stark, elegant black-and-white that emphasizes the "timeless" nature of the ocean.
- Grief: Muted tones that reflect the "paradox" of being in a beautiful place like New York or the Pacific Northwest while feeling utterly alone.
The technical precision here is stunning. You can almost feel the "whoosh" of the surf and the "scratch of markers" on a skateboard. The sound design is just as important as the visuals, with a score by Oklou and Rob that blends ambient electronic textures with the natural sounds of the wind and water. While there isn't a confirmed In Waves soundtrack Oklou physical release yet, the buzz around the music suggests it will be a high-demand item for fans of the artist.
Book vs. Movie: Adapting AJ Dungo’s Vision
Fans of the 480-page graphic novel might wonder how a 91-minute film handles the depth of the book. The In Waves graphic novel is famous for its blue-and-tan color scheme and its technical deep-dives into surfboard shaping. The movie, however, leans more into the "sensory power" of the medium. While the book feels like a historical archive mixed with a diary, the film feels like a memory.
The film maintains the "immediacy of autobiography" but adds a layer of kinetic energy. Seeing AJ’s first attempt to catch a wave—a scene revealed in the first clip at Cannes—brings a physical thrill that the static pages of a book can't quite replicate. However, the movie remains incredibly faithful to the emotional core of Dungo’s work, proving that Silex Films understood the assignment: don't just copy the book, translate its soul.
The Sound of Grief: Oklou and the Score
A major content gap in many early reviews is the analysis of the film's auditory landscape. The In Waves soundtrack Oklou and Rob created is pivotal. It avoids the melodramatic swells typical of "tearjerker" movies. Instead, it opts for a "quicksilver" quality. Much of the film relies on silence or the rhythmic sound of the ocean, making the moments when the music does kick in feel earned. This balance between dialogue-heavy scenes and "silent" historical sequences creates a rhythm that mimics the breathing of a surfer waiting for a set.
Key Takeaways
- A Historic First: The first animated film to open Cannes Critics' Week in 65 years.
- Star Power: Led by Stephanie Hsu and Will Sharpe, who deliver career-best vocal performances.
- Educational Depth: Provides a rich look at Duke Kahanamoku and the history of Hawaiian surfing.
- Visual Mastery: A "hand-drawn" masterpiece that uses color to navigate different timelines of love and grief.
- True Story: Directly adapted from AJ Dungo’s personal life and his 2019 graphic novel.
Conclusion: The Future of 'In Waves'
As of now, the In Waves movie streaming date and US distribution status are still being finalized, though Charades is handling international sales and a July release is slated for France and Belgium. Given the rapturous reception at Cannes, a major US indie distributor or high-end streamer (think A24 or Netflix) is almost a certainty.
Real talk: In Waves is more than just a cancer drama. It’s a film that understands that grief doesn't come in a straight line—it comes in waves. It’s a story about how we survive the "icy beauty" of loss by clinging to the things that make us feel alive, whether that’s a sketchbook or a surfboard. Keep this on your radar; it’s not just one of the best animated films of the year, it’s one of the best films, period.
