Netflix to release Cannes hit based on heartbreaking true story | Films | Entertainment

Netflix has just snapped up a new animated feature that made its debut at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival to widespread critical acclaim.

Based on AJ Dungo’s 2019 graphic memoir, In Waves is described as “an elegantly animated adaptation” — a coming-of-age love story following two Los Angeles teenagers who fall for one another.

Will Sharpe (Amadeus) and Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once) head up the cast as AJ, a reserved skateboarder and artist, and Kristen, a spirited surfer, whose close bond blossoms into a deep and passionate romance.

Supported by their circle of friends and a mutual love of the sea, the couple face life’s hardships together in what proves to be both a heartbreaking and uplifting journey, brought to life through breathtaking animation.

Director Phuong Mai Nguyen makes her feature-length debut with the picture, which opened Cannes’ Critics Week to glowing reviews from the press.

Variety hailed it a “tearjerker” that “hits all the right notes”, while the Hollywood Reporter described In Waves as “an eloquent rendering of first love, heart-crushing loss and the joy of surfing” in their assessment.

The screenplay was penned by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, with a supporting voice cast featuring Johnny Young, Alejandro Antonio Ruiz, Griffin Puatu, Taiana Tully, and Jacki Jing.

Meanwhile, the original illustrated memoir by writer and artist AJ Dungo has cultivated a devoted cult following, attracting thousands of five-star reviews from admirers on Goodreads.

“I began this book last night and woke up very early, hungry to finish it,” one entry read. “I loved this book. The text was elegantly sparse, and I feel my own writing right now reflecting that style. Thank you to AJ Dungo for sharing this masterpiece.”

Someone else admitted: “Read this in public and it was a really bad idea…….had a hard time trying to hold myself together AND NOT CRY…twice to be precise.

“A very quick read yet sooooo emotional,” they added. “Thank you so much AJ Dungo for your personal stories and sharing this masterpiece.”

In Waves is scheduled for a theatrical release this July in France and Belgium, while Netflix has secured streaming rights across other regions including the UK and United States. A release date is yet to be announced.