Love, loss, and surfing coalesce in first trailer for animated In Waves

Netflix's animated adaptation of AJ Dungo's graphic novel In Waves offers a refreshing change from the sea of similar animated streaming content. The film brings to life the author's personal story of youthful love, loss, and the vibrant surf culture of Southern California through a distinct hand-drawn aesthetic that honors the raw, emotional source material.

Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, the trailer introduces us to a couple of young surf enthusiasts brought to life by the voices of Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu. Sharpe stars as the lead character, known for his roles in Too Much and The White Lotus, while Hsu brings to the screen her acclaimed performances from Everything Everywhere All At Once and Joy Ride.

Their love story blossoms through their shared passion for surfing, but their bond is tested by an unseen force greater than the turbulent ocean waves they ride. The narrative is anchored by Dungo's own poignant reflections on the loss of his partner, which imbues the film with a deeply emotional core.

Set against a backdrop of soothing, warm hues that mirror the serene yet powerful ocean, In Waves transitions seamlessly to darker, more somber tones when depicting scenes in hospital rooms. This visual shift beautifully conveys the emotional journey of the characters, transitioning from the exuberance of life on the surfboard to the quiet solitude of healing.

Originally conceived in a French-language version, the story remains firmly rooted in the sun-soaked coastal setting of Southern California, providing a unique perspective within Netflix's more saturated and computer-animated lineup. The film will make its debut with a limited theatrical release on November 27, followed by a broader streaming launch on Netflix on December 11, promising to carve out a distinctive space in the world of animated storytelling.