Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- tender
- wistful
- cathartic
- rainy day
- quiet evening
What critics said
Critics have responded strongly to the film's heartfelt animated romance and emotionally resonant handling of adversity.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Kristen's sudden illness transforms her relationship with AJ and redirects their shared future.
AJ and Kristen develop a newly shared passion for surfing and the ocean while facing adversity.
AJ's skateboarding and drawing contrast with Kristen's surfing before their interests converge through love.
The Los Angeles shoreline, surfing, and the ocean are central to the couple's relationship and emotional journey.
Films like In Waves, and why
Ride Your Wave
Shares an animated teenage romance shaped by illness, grief, emotional resilience, and a strong relationship with the ocean.
A Silent Voice
Comparable for its animated coming-of-age romance, adolescent vulnerability, and emotionally searching treatment of loss and connection.
The Red Turtle
Shares a gentle, visually expressive animated drama centered on ocean imagery, intimacy, and emotional healing.
Movie Details
- Director
- Phuong Mai Nguyen
- Release Date
- 2026-07-01
- Runtime
- 91 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (26)
Cast
- Rio Vega
- Lyna Khoudri
- Paul Kircher
- Birane Ba
- Gauthier Battoue
Common questions
- What is In Waves about?
- A shy skateboarder and a fiercely ocean-loving surfer find first love, then draw on friendship and shared passion when illness changes everything.
- What is In Waves like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of In Waves as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is In Waves violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in In Waves.
- What did critics think of In Waves?
- Critics have responded strongly to the film's heartfelt animated romance and emotionally resonant handling of adversity.
- Which films are like In Waves?
- Films with a similar feel include Ride Your Wave, A Silent Voice, and The Red Turtle.
- How long is In Waves?
- In Waves runs 91 minutes.
