In Waves (2026)
Director: Phuong Mai Nguyen
Cast: Rio Vega, Lyna Khoudri, Paul Kircher, Birane Ba, Gauthier Battoue
In the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, a quiet teen named AJ—more comfortable with a sketchpad and skateboard than small talk—crosses paths with Kristen, a girl whose soul belongs to the waves. She lives to surf; he finds his rhythm on concrete and paper. What begins as an unlikely spark quickly ignites into a deep, consuming love, and a bright future together feels just within reach. But their story takes a heart-wrenching turn when Kristen is struck by a sudden illness. Faced with an uncertain tide, the two refuse to back down. Fueled by their unwavering bond, the support of loyal friends, and a newfound shared passion for riding the ocean, they rise together to meet every challenge.
More About This Film
In Waves is an animated romantic drama following AJ, a shy teenager living in Los Angeles who falls in love with Kristen, a passionate surfer. Their shared love of the ocean becomes a source of connection as they face circumstances that profoundly change their lives.
Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, the film adapts the graphic novel by AJ Dungo and uses animation to explore love, friendship, illness, memory, and the passage from adolescence into adulthood. Rio Vega voices AJ and Lyna Khoudri voices Kristen.
- Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen.
- Based on AJ Dungo's graphic novel.
- Rio Vega and Lyna Khoudri lead the voice cast.
- Produced by companies including Anonymous Content, France 3 Cinéma, Charades, Panique!, Gao Shan Pictures, and Silex Films.
- The film has a reported budget of approximately 7 million dollars.
Where to Watch
In Waves has an international animation and arthouse release, with digital availability developing by territory.