Netflix Won a Bidding War at Cannes 2026 for This Gorgeous Animated Romance — In Waves

Cannes 2026 has barely started and Netflix is already making its biggest move of the festival. The streaming giant reportedly won a highly competitive bidding war — rumoured to be in the mid-seven figures — to secure global rights to In Waves, a stunning animated coming-of-age romance that opened Semaine de la Critique (Critics’ Week) to near-universal praise

In Waves on Netflix

What Is In Waves About?

Set in Los Angeles, the film follows AJ, a shy teenager who loves skateboarding and drawing, and Kristen, a free-spirited surfer who lives for the ocean. The two fall deeply in love and begin mapping out a future together — until Kristen is diagnosed with a sudden illness. What follows is a moving story of love, loss, community, and the enduring connection between two people bound by the sea.

The film is adapted from AJ Dungo’s acclaimed 2019 graphic memoir of the same name, bringing a deeply personal and true love story to life through elegant, emotionally rich animation. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have praised it for its bittersweet emotional depth, drawing comparisons to The Fault in Our Stars, while forgiving occasional genre familiarity because of the authentic real-life heart behind the story.

The Dream Team Behind the Film

Director Phuong Mai Nguyen brings a distinct visual and emotional sensibility to the material, making In Waves one of the most visually talked-about films at Cannes this year.

The voice cast is equally impressive:

• Stephanie Hsu — Oscar-nominated for Everything Everywhere All at Once, also known for The Fall Guy
• Will Sharpe — BAFTA-winner best known for The White Lotus and Beef

Both stars also serve as executive producers on the project, signalling a deep personal investment in getting the story right. Silex Films produced, with the deal negotiated by Anonymous Content, CAA Media Finance, and Charades.

Anonymous Content’s David Levine and Nick Shumaker said they were “energized by Mai’s unmistakable talent” from the very start, adding that the Netflix partnership ensures AJ’s story reaches audiences worldwide.

Why This Could Be Netflix’s Animated Gem of the Year?

Netflix doesn’t often win Cannes bidding wars for animated features — this is a genuinely special acquisition. The combination of a real-life source story, a celebrated animation style, and two Hollywood heavyweights doing voice work gives In Waves real awards-season potential when it eventually lands on the platform.

No release date has been confirmed yet, but given the Cannes premiere in May 2026, a late 2026 or early 2027 Netflix drop seems most likely.

For more upcoming Netflix movies and streaming news, visit Technosports’ entertainment section.

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