Netflix's hand-drawn In Waves trailer blends surfing romance and grief
Netflix has released the first trailer for In Waves, an animated adaptation of AJ Dungo's graphic novel. Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, the film follows young surfers voiced by Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu as they fall in love and face loss. It will have a limited theatrical release on November 27 before streaming on December 11.
The trailer introduces a hand-drawn aesthetic for Netflix’s adaptation of AJ Dungo’s graphic novel, distinguishing it from much computer-animated streaming fare. The story centers on two young surfers, voiced by Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu, whose romance develops around Southern California waves before loss enters their lives.
The project was first produced in French while remaining set in Southern California. Its visual palette moves between bright ocean scenes and muted hospital settings, reflecting the source’s autobiographical focus on Dungo’s memories of his late partner. Netflix plans a limited theatrical run on November 27, followed by streaming on December 11.
The film could resonate with viewers who have experienced grief or found comfort in surfing and outdoor communities, while its hand-drawn style may draw animation fans tired of uniform CGI. Because it blends romance, loss, and sport, it may create conversations about how animated films address adult emotional experiences. Its Netflix release could broaden reach beyond arthouse audiences, though its impact will likely depend on how viewers connect with the intimate source material.