In Waves: A Surf Romance Tested by Illness
In Waves: A Surfing Romance Set Against The Backdrop Of Illness
In Waves is an animated romantic drama set in LA that explores the consequences of illness on young people and their first loves. It focuses on AJ and Kristen, two teenagers whose worlds collide at a school dance. Kristen is a surfer. AJ is shy, artistic, and prefers to skate. Being around the ocean makes Kristen happy. AJ isn’t as comfortable around water. As AJ gets to know Kristen, he begins to appreciate what the ocean has to offer.
Based on the graphic memoir by AJ Dungo, In Waves is the first feature film by Phuong Mai Nguyen. Will Sharpe (AJ) and Stephanie Hsu (Kristen) provide the voices for the English language version of the film.
Following its world premiere at the 2026 Cannes Critics’ Week, In Waves will be released in a limited run in the US on November 27. It will stream worldwide on December 11, 2026, on Netflix. (Netflix)
AJ and Kristen Meet In LA
AJ and Kristen belong in different social circles.
AJ is a loner and prefers skateboarding and drawing. He is not comfortable around water. Kristen is the opposite. She is a surfing pro and is a complete wild child. LA is an ocean culture town. Kristen loves surfing and is at home around LA.
AJ becomes infatuated with Kristen after meeting her at the dance. The surfing culture and the ocean community help AJ get out of his shell and redefine his comfort zone.
The first part of the movie follows a coming-of-age structure because of the contrast in their personalities. With Kristen, AJ discovers things he’d probably never pursue on his own.
Netflix calls the film, “an uplifting story of a couple’s strength, expressed through their relationship, their friends and surfing.”
Surfing Begins to Develop Their Relationship
Surfing becomes something for AJ and Kristen to share and helps define AJ’s changing identity over the course of the film. For Kristen, surfing is a large part of who she is, so it helps define her identity as well.
In comparison to other teenage romances, In Waves gives a different perspective, both thematically and aesthetically because of surfing.
The animation focuses on the movement of surfing, and the light and land of Southern California. Rotten Tomatoes describes the movie as a “dramedy” with a runtime of 91 minutes. It focuses on teenage love and surf culture of Southern California. People searching for the movie on entertainment sites like Moviesbox will find it on Netflix.
Their Future is Suddenalry Different
AJ and Kristen’s relationship begins to show a hopeful future, but is interrupted when an unexpected illness changes everything.
Netflix’s summary vaguely hints at the challenges the couple faces instead of showing us their individual struggle through a typical teenage romance. (Netflix)
The focus is more on the emotional development of the characters rather than the conclusion of the typical teenage romance.
Because In Waves aims to explore the unknown in the relationship and what happens after a couple has found each other, the focus shifts away from the teenage romance.
The friends and the surfing community also help to keep the focus on the Support Systems people build around them.
In Waves is based on the Graphic Memoir of AJ Dungo.
The graphic memoir provides emotional foundation for In Waves and differentiates it from the stereotypical teenage romances. Although the visuals and techniques used in animation allow Nguyen to explore various realms of imagination, the emotional foundation comes from Dungo’s work.
Burdino and Doux wrote the screenplay and Nguyen directed it. According to Netflix, Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora produced it. (About Netflix)
The autobiographical foundation of the story helps the audience understand the surfing, love and self growth are intertwined.
For the audience searching for this movie using Moviebox, the autobiographical foundation helps to explain the combination of the reflection on memory and growing up and the teenage romance.
English Voice Cast Led By Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu
Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu will lead the English voice cast as AJ and Kristen, respectively.
Sharpe is best known for writing and directing feature films such as The Lobster, and television shows such as Sevens and Flowers. Hsu gained critical acclaim for her breakout role in Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Netflix adds that Sharpe and Hsu are the principal English-language voice performers. (Netflix)
In Waves is based on the French production of the same name, thus other language versions of the film have different voice casts.
This is valuable context for the audience as they may find different principal performers listed based on the country, language, version or service they use. For English-language audiences, Netflix has focused on Sharpe and Hsu.
Where and When to Watch In Waves
In Waves will hit theaters in the U.S. starting on November 27, 2026 and will be available on Netflix starting December 11, 2026. As of this writing, the film will not be released on Netflix in France until December 2026. (About Netflix)
Netflix has classified the film as a drama with elements of romance, teen films, sports dramas, and adult animation. (Netflix)
In Waves tells the story of two teenagers falling in love for the first time and experiencing what they believe is the biggest thing in their lives. The film explores first love in a unique way.
In Waves incorporates elements of Southern California surf culture and animation to create a unique film among other 2026 Netflix releases.
