Netflix Secures Global Rights to Animated Romance “In Waves” at Cannes 2026

Netflix acquired worldwide rights outside France to “In Waves,” the opening night film of the 2026 Critics’ Week at Cannes. The animated romance, adapted from AJ Dungo’s 2019 graphic memoir, won a competitive mid-seven-figure bidding war and marks Netflix’s first major Cannes 2026 deal.

Netflix Adds Cannes Animated Drama ‘In Waves’ to Its Lineup

“In Waves” is a French-Belgian co-production directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, her feature debut. It became the first animated feature ever to open Critics’ Week, premiering as the section’s opening night selection. The story follows Los Angeles teens AJ and Kristen as love, surfing culture, and a sudden illness intersect.

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The film is produced by Silex Films and co-produced by Anonymous Content, with French distribution by Diaphana and international sales by Charades. Writers Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux crafted the screenplay; producers are Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora. Executive producers include David Levine, Yohann Comte, Carole Baraton, Pierre Mazars, Will Sharpe, Stephanie Hsu, and Nick Shumaker (on behalf of Anonymous Content). English voices feature Oscar-nominated Stephanie Hsu (Kristen) and BAFTA-winner Will Sharpe (AJ); the French version stars Lyna Khoudri and Rio Vega. The 91-minute film blends 2D/3D hand-drawn animation with charcoal-textured sequences, scored by Oklou and Rob.

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Negotiated by Anonymous Content, CAA Media Finance, and Charades, the deal is rumored to be in the mid-seven-figure range. A French theatrical release is set for July 1, 2026. The acquisition positions Netflix for a potential Best Animated Feature Oscar campaign, echoing its recent successes with titles such as “Swapped” and “KPop Demon Hunters.”

Netflix Adds Cannes Animated Drama ‘In Waves’ to Its Lineup

Anonymous Content executives emphasized Nguyen’s distinctive talent and the story’s emotional resonance, noting that Netflix’s platform will bring the film to a global audience. Silex Films’ producer highlighted the partnership as an opportunity to share a “deeply moving true love story” with the broadest possible viewership.

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Variety described the film as “an elegantly animated adaptation.” Steve Pond praised the evolving animation style, calling the work “a major tearjerker of a rom-dram.” Reviewers noted the minimalist, vibrant sketches and a powerful third act, while also pointing out that supporting characters feel underdeveloped and clichéd.

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The precise financial terms remain undisclosed, with sources only indicating a “mid-seven-figure” figure. Netflix has not announced a streaming release date; industry observers anticipate a launch window in 2026 or 2027.

Netflix Adds Cannes Animated Drama ‘In Waves’ to Its Lineup

Netflix is expected to mount an awards-season push for Best Animated Feature, reinforcing its strategy of acquiring prestige animation from festival markets. The deal underscores Netflix’s growing presence at Cannes, following prior acquisitions such as Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague” (2025).

Netflix Adds Cannes Animated Drama ‘In Waves’ to Its Lineup

• “From the very start, we were energized by Mai’s unmistakable talent and the ability of AJ’s story to deeply move audiences,” — David Levine, Anonymous Content

Variety Magazine

• “This exciting partnership with Netflix will ensure that our romantic, coming-of-age story reaches people all over the world.” — Nick Shumaker, Anonymous Content

Variety Magazine

• “I am very happy about this partnership with Netflix and their enthusiasm for ‘In Waves,’ which gives us the opportunity to reach the broadest possible audience and share this deeply moving true love story with the world.” — Priscilla Bertin, Silex Films

Variety Magazine

• “The director/animator’s style changes and morphs as the film goes on; she uses Dungo’s drawings but also turns waves into bedsheets and a hospital bed into the setting for fantasy. But for all the virtuoso hand-drawn animation, at heart this is an emotional story – and, make no mistake, a major tearjerker of a rom-dram.” — Steve Pond, TheWrap

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