In Waves tells the profoundly moving story of Kristen and AJ, two individuals who fall in love and discover a shared passion for surfing. Their connection is deep, joyous, and full of youthful energy, but the narrative takes a heartrending turn when it is revealed that Kristen is terminally ill. This intimate, emotional story was first chronicled by AJ himself in a graphic novel, which has now been transformed into an animated feature film. The film premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where audiences were introduced to a story of love, resilience, and the power of memory.
Director Phuong Mai Nguyen was captivated by the graphic novel from the outset but faced a challenging dilemma: how do you adapt a story that already feels perfect? Nguyen described the novel as “beautiful and poetic,” noting the way AJ’s reflections on the waves and the nature of the ocean serve as a metaphor for life, grief, and human emotions. The challenge was to honor the original narrative while also expanding it for the cinematic medium. To do this, Nguyen collaborated closely with the real AJ, seeking inspiration from aspects of his life that were not captured in the graphic novel. Scriptwriters Fanny and Samuel conducted extensive conversations with AJ, uncovering intimate details and emotional truths that allowed the film to deepen its story without losing the original’s essence.
The international version of In Waves features Will Sharpe voicing AJ. At the Cannes premiere, Sharpe had the unique experience of meeting the real AJ for the first time, a moment that added an extra layer of poignancy to the screening. One particularly emotional scene depicts Kristen asking AJ to promise that he will continue telling her story through art, even after her passing. For Nguyen, sitting beside AJ while witnessing this moment on the big screen, seven years after the events unfolded, highlighted the enduring power of storytelling. The promise to honor Kristen’s life and their shared memories became a central theme, reinforcing the narrative’s emotional weight.
The film is not only a tale of love and loss but also a celebration of human resilience. The surfing sequences capture the exhilaration and unpredictability of life, while the narrative underscores the importance of continuing to create, to remember, and to find beauty even in tragedy. Through careful adaptation, In Waves blends heartfelt emotion with striking animation, giving audiences a chance to experience AJ and Kristen’s story in a new, immersive way.
Whether it’s the sweeping ocean scenes, the intimate moments between the couple, or the universal themes of grief and hope, In Waves leaves a lasting impression. This is a story about the depth of love, the inevitability of loss, and the courage it takes to carry forward someone’s memory through art. It is a celebration of life, a meditation on sorrow, and ultimately, a testament to the power of storytelling.
