In Waves hits French screens on July 1, 2026. Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, this animated drama-romance adapts the autobiographical graphic novel by AJ Dungo, tracing a love story shaped by illness, grief, and a passion for surfing.
In Waves
Film | 2026
Theatrical release: July 1, 2026
Animation, drama, romance | Runtime: 1h31
Director: Phuong Mai Nguyen | Screenplay: Fanny Burdino, Samuel Doux
Voices: Lyna Khoudri, Paul Kircher, Rio Vega
Adapted from AJ Dungo’s graphic novel
Country: France
The film follows AJ, a quiet high school student living in Los Angeles, who meets Kristen, a surfing enthusiast. He draws and skates, while she moves to the rhythm of the ocean. Their bond deepens when Kristen falls ill, forcing the couple to confront the trial with the support of their loved ones and their shared passion for surfing.
In Waves draws on the graphic novel published by AJ Dungo in 2019. The adaptation preserves the link between intimate storytelling, memory and surf culture, with an animated approach that blends a romance, grief and our connection to the ocean.
The film has already carved out a festival trajectory: it is slated to open the Critics Week at the Semaine de la Critique au Festival de Cannes 2026 and to compete at the Festival d’Annecy 2026. These two selections place In Waves at the crossroads of the cinéma d’auteur and international animation.
The voice cast features Lyna Khoudri, Paul Kircher, Rio Vega and Birane Ba. The trailer spotlights the Californian backdrop, the link between surfing and drawing, and the film’s melancholic undertone, avoiding a reductive label as merely a teen romance.
In Waves is likely to appeal to viewers drawn to adult or teen animated films, coming-of-age stories, and sentimental dramas shaped by illness. It’s not as well suited for families seeking a light, comedic animated movie or something aimed at very young children.
The official trailer for In Waves is available below:
Note: Netflix has announced a worldwide availability for In Waves on December 11, 2026, with France excluded. This information, for now, does not pertain to the film's French release.
To keep track of other theatrical releases, also check out the sorties cinéma de juillet 2026, our guide to films à voir au cinéma en ce moment, and our pick of films d’animation à voir au cinéma.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
