Netflix is about to send hearts surfing straight into their feelings with In Waves, an animated romance that looks equal parts beautiful and devastating. Adapted from AJ Dungo’s autobiographical graphic memoir, the film follows shy skateboarder AJ as surfer Kristen introduces him to the ocean, surf culture, and love before a life-threatening illness changes everything.

And now, Netflix is offering a deeper look into the animated film, previewing the devastating story In Waves will bring to the screen.

Romance apparently needs no grand gesture when a nighttime visit will do just fine. As revealed by DiscussingFilm on X, the exclusive In Waves clip shows shy skateboarder AJ turning up at Kristen’s home simply because he wants to see her. Their sweet little moment feels wonderfully uncomplicated, capturing young love at its softest.

Through the exclusive clip, viewers can also catch glimpses of the film’s nuanced animation, which feels deeply personal rather than overly polished. Director Phuong Mai Nguyen draws from AJ Dungo’s graphic novel with sepia-toned, hand-drawn 2D line art, while modern 3D tools add depth and movement, particularly to the ocean.

Beyond the exclusive clip revealed by DiscussingFilm, those visual choices become especially striking when the ocean enters the frame. The animation shifts between serene, glassy waters and turbulent waves. Moreover, carefully researched Pacific Coast settings bring Los Angeles, beaches, skate parks, and neighborhoods into the film with wonderfully tactile detail.

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With the film already basking in Cannes fame, it is time to turn the spotlight toward the brilliant minds behind it.

Every wave needs someone steering the board, and In Waves has quite the creative lineup behind its emotional currents. Director Phuong Mai Nguyen makes her feature debut after graduating from Gobelins animation school and directing Brazen. AJ Dungo provides the deeply personal source material, with Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux translating his memoir into the screenplay.

Behind the scenes, Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora of Silex Films join Nick Shumaker of Anonymous Content to produce the film, while French electronic musicians Rob and Oklou shape its atmospheric soundscape. With such a carefully assembled creative crew guiding every frame, Netflix’s In Waves looks increasingly like a film where the brilliance behind the animation may be as compelling as the story itself.

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Are you looking forward to watch In Waves? Let us know in the comments!