Netflix has acquired international streaming rights to a Cannes 2026 animated coming-of-age romance primarily based on an acclaimed graphic memoir.

Netflix to launch Cannes Movie Fest hit primarily based on heartbreaking true story (Picture: Peter Dazeley, Peter Dazeleyvia Getty Photographs)
Netflix has simply snapped up a brand new animated characteristic that made its debut on the 2026 Cannes Movie Pageant to widespread essential acclaim.
Primarily 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 youngsters who fall for each other.
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Will Sharpe (Amadeus) and Stephanie Hsu (Every thing In every single place All at As soon as) head up the forged as AJ, a reserved skateboarder and artist, and Kristen, a spirited surfer, whose shut bond blossoms right into a deep and passionate romance.
Supported by their circle of mates and a mutual love of the ocean, the couple face life’s hardships collectively in what proves to be each a heartbreaking and uplifting journey, delivered to life via breathtaking animation.
Director Phuong Mai Nguyen makes her feature-length debut with the image, which opened Cannes’ Critics Week to glowing opinions from the press.
Selection hailed it a “tearjerker” that “hits all the proper notes”, whereas the Hollywood Reporter described In Waves as “an eloquent rendering of old flame, heart-crushing loss and the enjoyment of browsing” of their evaluation.
The screenplay was penned by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, with a supporting voice forged that includes Johnny Younger, Alejandro Antonio Ruiz, Griffin Puatu, Taiana Tully, and Jacki Jing.
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In the meantime, the unique illustrated memoir by author and artist AJ Dungo has cultivated a loyal cult following, attracting hundreds of five-star opinions from admirers on Goodreads.
“I started this guide final night time and awakened very early, hungry to complete it,” one entry learn. “I cherished this guide. The textual content was elegantly sparse, and I really feel my very own writing proper now reflecting that type. Thanks to AJ Dungo for sharing this masterpiece.”
Another person admitted: “Learn this in public and it was a very unhealthy thought…….had a tough time attempting to carry myself collectively AND NOT CRY…twice to be exact.
“A really fast learn but sooooo emotional,” they added. “Thanks a lot AJ Dungo on your private tales and sharing this masterpiece.”
In Waves is scheduled for a theatrical launch this July in France and Belgium, whereas Netflix has secured streaming rights throughout different areas together with the UK and United States. A launch date is but to be introduced.


















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