Story perspectives

Netflix Secures Global Rights to Cannes Debut “In Waves”

5/19/2026

Summary

Netflix Acquires

Netflix acquires worldwide (outside France) rights to the French animated film “In Waves” after a competitive mid-seven-figure bidding war.
The 91-minute debut by Phuong Mai Nguyen, which opened Cannes Critics’ Week in May 2026 as the festival’s first animated title, will debut in French theatres on July 1 2026.
Industry observers note Netflix may mount an awards campaign for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, with a streaming window expected in 2026-2027.

Summary

In Waves Recasts

The French-language version of “In Waves” casts Rio Vega as AJ and Lyna Khoudri as Kristen, replacing Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu.
Screenwriters Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux adapted AJ Dungo’s 2019 graphic memoir for the animated film.
The third act shifts to minimalist sketches and archival scenes, creating a somber tone with wave “whoosh” sound design.
Critics say the couple is richly portrayed but many supporting characters remain underdeveloped and cliché-driven.

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Netflix Acquires

Netflix acquires worldwide (outside France) rights to the French animated film “In Waves” after a competitive mid-seven-figure bidding war.
The 91-minute debut by Phuong Mai Nguyen, which opened Cannes Critics’ Week in May 2026 as the festival’s first animated title, will debut in French theatres on July 1 2026.
Industry observers note Netflix may mount an awards campaign for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, with a streaming window expected in 2026-2027.

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