In Netflix’s first main deal on the 2026 Cannes Movie Pageant, the streamer has acquired worldwide rights exterior of France to Critics’ Week opener “In Waves,” an adaptation of AJ Dungo’s 2019 graphic memoir.
The animated romance directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen contains a voice solid led by Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu and BAFTA winner Will Sharpe.
The movie, which opened Critics’ Week with rave critiques, shortly established itself as one of many flagship titles within the parallel sections of Cannes. In his assessment, Selection described the movie as “an elegantly animated adaptation”, praising the emotional depth of Nguyen’s love story.
Netflix gained the new undertaking in a extremely aggressive bidding struggle, after a number of world bids. The deal, rumored to be within the seven-figure vary, was negotiated by Nameless Content material, CAA Media Finance and Charades on behalf of the filmmakers.
Produced by Silex Movies, distributed in France by Diaphana and bought internationally by Charades, “In Waves” is directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen and written by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, primarily based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Dungo.
Set in Los Angeles, the movie follows AJ, a shy teenager who loves skateboarding and drawing, and Kristen, an avid surfer. The couple fall deeply in love and plan a future collectively till Kristen is struck by a sudden sickness. Collectively, they overcome adversity by way of the power of their relationship, the help of their pals, and a shared bond with browsing and the ocean.
The movie is produced by Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora. Government producers embody David Levine, Yohann Comte, Carole Baraton, Pierre Mazars, Sharpe, Hsu, Nick Shumaker and David Levine on behalf of Nameless Content material.
“From the beginning, we had been energized by Mai’s plain expertise and the flexibility of AJ’s story to deeply transfer audiences,” mentioned David Levine and Nick Shumaker of Nameless Content material. “This thrilling partnership with Netflix will guarantee our romantic coming-of-age story touches individuals world wide.”
Priscilla Bertin of Silex Movies mentioned: “I’m very enthusiastic about this partnership with Netflix and their enthusiasm for “In Waves”, which provides us the chance to achieve the widest attainable viewers and share this deeply shifting real love story with the world.
—Zack Sharf contributed to this report.