In Netflix’s first major deal out of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, the streamer has picked up global rights outside 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 cast led by Oscar-nominated Stephanie Hsu and BAFTA winner Will Sharpe.
The movie, which opened Critics’ Week to rave reviews, has quickly emerged as one of the breakout titles of Cannes’ parallel sections. In its review, Variety described the film as “an elegantly animated adaptation,’” praising the emotional depth of Nguyen’s coming-of-age love story.
Netflix won the buzzy project in a highly competitive bidding war, after multiple worldwide offers. The deal, which is rumored to be in the mid-seven figure range, was negotiated by Anonymous Content, CAA Media Finance and Charades on behalf of the filmmakers.
Produced by Silex Films, distributed in France by Diaphana and sold internationally by Charades, “In Waves” is directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen and written by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Dungo.
Set in Los Angeles, the film 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 together until Kristen is struck by a sudden illness. Together, they navigate adversity through the strength of their relationship, the support of their friends and a shared connection to surfing and the ocean.
The film is produced by Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora. Executive producers include David Levine, Yohann Comte, Carole Baraton, Pierre Mazars, Sharpe, Hsu, Nick Shumaker and David Levine on behalf of Anonymous Content.
“From the very start, we were energized by Mai’s unmistakable talent and the ability of AJ’s story to deeply move audiences,” said David Levine and Nick Shumaker of Anonymous Content. “This exciting partnership with Netflix will ensure that our romantic, coming-of-age story reaches people all over the world.”
Priscilla Bertin of Silex Films said: “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.
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