Based on AJ Dungo’s acclaimed graphic novel, the animated romance starring Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu explores love, heartbreak and the memories that last a lifetime.
Sometimes, all it takes is a litte push to find what you want. That universal message certainly resonates with many, especially with the creative force behind In Waves, Netflix‘s next animated film. With the film also being based on a true story, viewers can expect a lot of emotions to be poured out.
Set against the sun-soaked surf culture of Southern California, In Waves explores the joy of finding your soulmate, the courage it takes to live life to the fullest, and the enduring power of love to shape who we become and what we leave behind.
This film is based on a recollection of memories from AJ Dungo, who shared his story through a graphic novel. Also entitled the same as the film, Dungo’s novel is a personal memoir of his romantic relationship with his former partner, Kristen. However, Dungo’s story is also rooteed in a heartbreaking tragedy with Kristen’s cancer diagnosis. Despite that, their romance felt undeniably raw and emotional in all the right ways.
In Waves Trailer Showcases an Acclaimed Animated Adaptation
Previously, In Waves made its debut during the opening selection of the 2026 Cannes Critics’ Week, marking it the first animated feature to open that section. It also screened at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival earlier this year to rave reviews from critics. This beautiful, heart-tugging story continued to make waves with critics throughout the past few months, which captures the power of this inspired adaptation.
In addition to the trailer for In Waves, new images from the film were also revealed. Check them out down below:
Based on Dungo’s novel, In Waves is directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen and stars Giri/Haji and Flowers star Will Sharpe as well as Everything Everywhere All at Once‘s Stephanie Hsu. The writing team includes Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux.
Executive producers include Sharpe, Hsu, Yohann Comte, Carole Baraton, Pierre Mazars, and David Levine on behalf of Anonymous Content. Oklou and Rob will produce the music for the upcoming film.
Watch the full trailer for In Waves down below:
In Waves releases in theaters on November 11 and on Netflix on December 11.
Read more News and Subscribe to our YouTube.
Discover more from Nerdtropolis - Movie News, Reviews, Interviews, and Trailers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Chris Gallardo
Christopher Gallardo is a New York City-based freelance entertainment writer and critic. He is currently writing for Tell-Tale TV, Nerdtropolis, Popternative and Eulalie Magazine with previous contributions to The Hollywood Handle and CoveredGeekly. He has been featured other sites including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, The Direct, Collider, IGN, and much more. He is also a massive fan of animated shows and movies, ranging from Princess Mononoke to Invincible and Arcane, as well as a big Greek mythology fan who loves Percy Jackson, God of War, and the Hades games. You can find him on X and Instagram (@chrisagwrites)!
