Netflix has secured global rights to In Waves, one of the standout titles from the 2026 Cannes Critics’ Week. The deal marks the streamer’s first major acquisition from this year’s festival, signaling strong confidence in the film’s international appeal.
According to Variety, the acquisition followed a competitive bidding war involving multiple global distributors. Netflix ultimately secured rights to the film worldwide, excluding France, in a deal reportedly valued in the mid-seven-figure range.
Cannes Breakout Success Drives Global Interest
In Waves quickly gained attention after opening Critics’ Week, one of Cannes’ most prestigious parallel sections. The animated feature drew praise for its emotional storytelling and visual style, with critics highlighting its ability to balance intimacy with larger themes of love and loss.
Variety described the project as “an elegantly animated adaptation,” noting its strong emotional core and coming-of-age narrative. The early critical response played a major role in attracting distributors, turning the film into one of the festival’s most talked-about acquisitions.
The film is directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen and adapts the 2019 graphic memoir by AJ Dungo. It was written by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, bringing the original story to life through animation.
A Love Story Set Against Life’s Hardest Moments
Set in Los Angeles, In Waves follows AJ, a reserved teenager with a passion for skateboarding and art, and Kristen, a free-spirited surfer. The two form a deep connection, building a relationship shaped by shared dreams and youthful optimism.
Their story takes a dramatic turn when Kristen is struck by a serious illness, forcing both characters to confront uncertainty and emotional hardship. The narrative explores how love can evolve under pressure, focusing on resilience, grief, and the strength found in human connection.
The film’s use of surfing and ocean imagery plays a central role in its storytelling, reflecting both the beauty and unpredictability of life. This thematic depth has been widely cited as one of the reasons behind its strong reception at Cannes.
Star-Studded Voice Cast Adds Appeal
The animated feature features a notable voice cast led by Stephanie Hsu and Will Sharpe. Their involvement adds further weight to the project, bringing emotional nuance to the film’s central relationship.
Behind the scenes, the film is produced by Silex Films, with Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora serving as producers. It is distributed in France by Diaphana, while international sales were handled by Charades.
The deal itself was negotiated by Anonymous Content, CAA Media Finance, and Charades, reflecting the high level of industry interest in the project.
Filmmakers React to Netflix Deal
The creative team has expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Netflix, particularly in terms of the platform’s global reach.
David Levine and Nick Shumaker of Anonymous Content said the team was drawn to the film from the beginning, praising its emotional impact. They stated that the partnership with Netflix will help ensure the story reaches audiences worldwide.
Producer Priscilla Bertin echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the deal in expanding the film’s audience. She noted that Netflix’s involvement allows the team to share what she described as a “deeply moving true love story” with viewers across different regions.
What This Means for Netflix’s Strategy
Netflix’s acquisition of In Waves highlights its continued investment in high-quality international content, particularly projects that combine strong storytelling with critical acclaim. By targeting festival standouts, the platform aims to strengthen its catalog with films that can resonate globally.
The move also reflects a broader trend within the streaming industry, where platforms compete aggressively for standout titles from major festivals like Cannes. Securing a film with strong early reviews not only boosts prestige but also increases the likelihood of long-term audience engagement.
With its blend of emotional storytelling, acclaimed source material, and festival buzz, In Waves is positioned to become a key addition to Netflix’s upcoming lineup. As anticipation builds following its Cannes debut, the film’s global release is expected to introduce it to a much wider audience.
