In Netflix’s first main deal out of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, the streamer has picked up world rights outdoors of France to breakout Critics Week opener “In Waves,” an adaptation of AJ Dungo’s 2019 graphic memoir.
The animated romance directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen boasts a voice forged led by Oscar-nominated Stephanie Hsu and BAFTA winner Will Sharpe.
The film, which opened Critics’ Week to rave evaluations, has rapidly emerged as one of many breakout titles of Cannes’ parallel sections. In its overview, Selection described the movie as “an elegantly animated adaptation,’” praising the emotional depth of Nguyen’s coming-of-age love story.
Netflix gained the buzzy challenge in a extremely aggressive bidding conflict, after a number of worldwide presents. The deal, which is rumored to be within the mid-seven determine 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 offered 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, a passionate surfer. The pair fall deeply in love and envision a future collectively till Kristen is struck by a sudden sickness. Collectively, they navigate adversity by means of the power of their relationship, the assist of their associates and a shared connection to browsing and the ocean.
The movie is produced by Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora. Govt producers embrace David Levine, Yohann Comte, Carole Baraton, Pierre Mazars, Sharpe, Hsu, Nick Shumaker and David Levine on behalf of Nameless Content material.
“From the very start, we were energized by Mai’s unmistakable talent and the ability of AJ’s story to deeply move audiences,” mentioned David Levine and Nick Shumaker of Nameless Content material. “This exciting partnership with Netflix will ensure that our romantic, coming-of-age story reaches people all over the world.”
Priscilla Bertin of Silex Movies mentioned: “I am very happy about this partnership with Netflix and their enthusiasm for ‘In Waves,’ which gives us the opportunity to reach the broadest possible audience and share this deeply moving true love story with the world.”
— Zack Sharf contributed to this report.
