In Waves Review: Animated Teen Romance and Loss Captivates Cannes Audience

Vietnamese director and graphic artist Phuong Mai Nguyen made her feature debut with In Waves, which opened the independent International Critics’ Week at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday morning. The film signals a recurring theme at this year’s festival: biographical and autobiographical narratives reimagined by diverse directors.

Nguyen’s animated feature arrives ahead of upcoming adaptations by Pedro Almodóvar, James Gray, and Bruno Santamaria Razo, as well as documentaries from Ron Howard and Steven Soderbergh. Collaborating closely with artist AJ Dungo, Nguyen adapts his graphic novel, which recounts his teenage years as an aspiring artist and his relationship with a girlfriend who inspired the story after her cancer diagnosis.

While Nguyen’s perspective could introduce narrative distance, she seamlessly integrates Dungo’s visual style with her own, creating a cohesive emotional experience. The film transcends typical teen tropes, using Dungo’s line drawings as a foundation for its distinctive aesthetic.

From Skateboards to Surfboards: The Story of AJ and Kristen

The narrative follows AJ, voiced by Will Sharpe in the English version and Rio Vega in the French dub. AJ is a shy, talented artist who adorns his skateboard decks with vibrant illustrations. Despite his reserved nature, he becomes smitten with Kristen (voiced by Stephanie Hsu in English and Lyna Khoudri in French), a passionate surfer who leaves him flustered.

Their connection begins when AJ accidentally knocks Kristen over at a dance. Intrigued by her Facebook profile, the film underscores the moment with music by composers Oklou and Rob, signaling its significance. Kristen introduces AJ to surfing, invoking the spirit of Hawaiian pioneer Duke Kahanamoku. Their bond deepens with a late-night rendezvous and a first kiss, culminating in a joyful scene where AJ rides home in the rain, evoking the exuberance of Gene Kelly.

Love, Loss, and the Unpredictability of Life

Yet In Waves is no ordinary romance. Subtle signs—such as a lingering pain in the leg or a persistent cough—hint at deeper struggles. Soon after AJ and Kristen embrace young love, Kristen is diagnosed with cancer. The film navigates their relationship through personal and professional challenges, culminating in a poignant exploration of grief, which, like the ocean, comes in waves.