Netflix has acquired global rights to In Waves, the French animated romantic drama that opened Cannes Critics' Week in May 2026. Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen in her feature debut, the film follows a tender story of first love, grief, and surf culture set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. The competitive deal makes it one of the boldest acquisitions out of this year's festival, with a French theatrical release set for July 1, 2026, via Diaphana.

As In Waves makes a quiet entrance through festival doors, Netflix is already making sure the whole world gets a front-row seat.

Netflix has secured worldwide rights to In Waves outside France in a competitive mid-seven-figure deal, marking it as the platform's first major acquisition out of Cannes 2026. The animated drama opened Critics' Week, a landmark moment as the first animated feature ever to do so. Based on AJ Dungo’s acclaimed 2019 celebrated graphic novel memoir, the film blends hand-drawn artistry with a tender story of teenage love, loss, and the healing power of the ocean.

The English voice cast alone signals this is no small pickup. Stephanie Hsu, Oscar-nominated for Everything Everywhere All at Once, voices Kristen, while BAFTA winner Will Sharpe brings AJ to life. Behind the scenes, production heavyweight Anonymous Content co-produces alongside Silex Films. The 91-minute film weaves 2D and 3D animation with charcoal-textured sequences, accompanied by an original soundtrack from Oklou and Rob, making it a genuinely distinctive audio-visual experience.

Cannes Film Festival: Netflix Director behind 'Under Paris' Showcases Growing Acceptance for AI in Films

As Hsu and Sharpe give voice to young love and loss, Netflix quietly positions itself as the home of Cannes' most visually daring storytelling.

No other Cannes 2026 title has landed a confirmed Netflix deal of comparable global scale, making this acquisition stand apart from the market. Netflix did pick up Diego Luna's Ashes (Ceniza en la Boca), though that remains limited to Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. For context, the platform previously acquired Cannes titles, including Richard Linklater's Nouvelle Vague in 2025. Netflix historically sidesteps premiering originals at Cannes, preferring to acquire finished titles from parallel sections instead.

Netflix's acquisition of In Waves fits its broader strategy of sourcing prestige animation and festival-acclaimed titles directly from the market. The film targets audiences aged 13 and above, drawing comparisons to The Fault in Our Stars but grounded in real events and Hawaiian surf culture. No streaming release date has been announced yet, though a 2026 or 2027 window is expected. For now, In Waves rides in as Netflix's most significant Cannes 2026 wave.

Golden Globes Staff Picks and Predictions: From 'Sinners' to Timothée Chalamet and Oscar Isaac

What are your thoughts on Netflix acquiring In Waves from Cannes 2026? Let us know in the comments.