Movie: IN WAVES

      Rating: PG-13, Thematic Material, Some                          Language, Nudity

                           Length: 1:30

            Release Date: November 27, 2026                                              (limited theaters)

                  December 11, 2026, Netflix

JEANNE: Based on a graphic novel by AJ Dungo, IN WAVES tells the true story of a young first love between AJ (voiced by Will Sharpe) and Kristen (voiced by Stephanie Hsu), two high school students in Los Angeles.

Both of Filipino descent, AJ is very shy and reserved, as opposed to Kristen who is a dedicated --- and talented --- surfer with a lust for life. AJ spends his time drawing and skateboarding with a goal of becoming an artist. He knows nothing about surfing, but with Kristen as his teacher, he soon masters the art.

Kristen also exposes AJ to the history behind surfing and its important connection to Hawaiian culture. As their relationship grows into a true and deep love, both AJ and Kristen realize the importance of being together and building a life together. This inspires AJ to tell their story by drawing it as a way to preserve their love.

Phuong Mai Nguyen directs from a screenplay by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, utilizing her own graphic adaptation. Set in sunny Southern California amidst the gorgeous beaches where AJ and Kristen grew up, IN WAVES is a very special, very moving film in its honest depiction of true love and finding one’s soulmate.

Nguyen’s animation is breathtaking, especially her use of color and light. Her ability to capture the various hues of the ocean and the waves is astounding. And she is careful to honor AJ’s own expressive art from his graphic novel.

Hsu and Sharpe are terrific bringing these two young people in love to life. It’s not an easy task to add voices to real characters, but they both manage to make this true story immensely believable.

This amazing effort by Nguyen is enhanced by a stunning original score by Oklou and Rob (Marylou Maniel and Robin Coudert). IN WAVES is an emotional treasure that should not be missed.

   IN WAVES releases in select theaters on                                        November 27

               On Netflix on December 11

OPINION: SEE IT NOW!

DAVID: IN WAVES is a beautifully made film, based on a true story. The animation is exquisite --- one of the rare animated efforts that is incredibly realistic in conveying raw human emotions.

Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen with a screenplay by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, based on the graphic novel by AJ Dungo, IN WAVES tells the real-life love story of AJ and Kristen who were inseparable for eight years before tragedy strikes. When they met, AJ was a young artist and Kristen was an accomplished surfer. Their love story is wonderfully written and told authentically as life’s adversities eventually get in the way.

AJ (voiced by Oscar winner Will Sharpe) and Kristen (voiced by Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu) are depicted so well that even without dialogue we know what their characters are thinking. Small touches abound under the animation supervision of Jérémy Fromentin. The first time AJ and Kristen kiss ---we know it’s going to happen as they stand face to face. But instead the camera shifts to their feet moving ever so closer together until we see them actually kiss.

The original score by Marylou Maniel (known as Oklou) and Robin Coudert (known as Rob) obviously plays a huge part in the emotional tone of the story. IN WAVES premiered at Cannes where Ms. Nguyen won an award for directing.

     IN WAVES releases in select theaters on                                   November 27

                On Netflix on December 11

OPINION: STRONG SEE IT NOW!