Why In Waves Is the Tearjerker You Didn't Know You Needed

I sat there in the dark theater, bracing for the inevitable. You know that feeling when a movie starts and you just know you're going to cry? That is In Waves. It doesn't hide its intentions. It wants to break your heart.

The film is an adaptation of the book by AJ Dungo. It tells a story about love, loss, and the sea. If you have ever lost someone you love, this will hit you hard. It is simple, yet it carries so much weight.

Most films try to be too clever. They hide their themes behind layers of plot. In Waves does the opposite. It shows you everything upfront. It trusts that you are ready to feel something real today.

Where this story comes from

The source material is a graphic novel by AJ Dungo. It gained a huge following for its honest look at grief. People loved how it blended surfing with the story of a dying partner. It wasn't just a sad book; it was a tribute to life.

Now, Phuong Mai Nguyen brings it to the screen. She keeps the core of the book intact. She uses animation to capture the feeling of the waves. It feels like a painting in motion. The art style is soft and fluid.

You can see why people were drawn to this. It's a very personal tale. Adapting it meant keeping that intimacy alive. The team clearly worked hard to respect the original tone. They didn't try to change the soul of the work.

The story follows a young couple. They find peace in the water. Surfing becomes their shared language. When one of them gets sick, the sea becomes a place of memory. It's a quiet, slow burn that feels very true to life.

The heart of the film

The voices are gave by Stephanie Hsu and Will Sharpe. They do a great job. You can hear the warmth in their voices. They make the couple feel like real people you might know. You believe in their bond.

The film moves back and forth in time. We see them happy. We see them struggling. The editing helps us feel the passage of time. It isn't jarring at all. It flows just like the ocean tides.

There are scenes that focus entirely on the act of surfing. These moments are great. The animation shows the power of the water. It's a metaphor for the grief they feel. You can't fight a wave; you just have to ride it.

I think the best scenes are the quiet ones. A look between the two leads says more than a long speech. It's an example of good directing. They let the characters just be. No forced drama here.

Of course, the ending is sad. But it's not just a sad ending. It's a release. You feel the weight lift, even as you wipe away tears. It's a rare type of film that leaves you feeling drained but also full.

The music also deserves a mention. It stays in the background. It doesn't tell you how to feel. It just supports the visuals. It's a perfect match for the art style.

Technical details and craft

The animation style is distinct. It uses a muted color palette. This helps create a sense of nostalgia. You feel like you are looking at old memories. It's a very smart choice for this story.

The pacing is deliberate. It doesn't rush to the climax. It lets you sit with the characters. This makes the final act feel earned. You haven't just watched a story; you've lived it.

The sound design is also top-tier. You hear every splash. You hear the wind. It makes the world feel tactile. You can almost feel the salt air on your skin. It's a very immersive experience.

It's clear that the production team cared about the details. Every frame looks hand-crafted. It's a stark contrast to the glossy look of most modern animated films. This feels human and flawed in the best way.

Looking at the big picture

Will this change the way we see animated films? Maybe. It proves that animation isn't just for kids. It can handle heavy, adult themes with grace. We need more films like this.

It's a bold debut for Phuong Mai Nguyen. She shows a lot of promise. I want to see what she does next. She has a clear voice. She understands how to use the medium to tell a human story.

The competition at Cannes was tough. Yet, this film stood out. It didn't need to be loud to be heard. It just needed to be honest. That is a lesson for the whole industry.

A few answers to common questions

Is this movie suitable for kids? It deals with death and illness. It's likely too heavy for younger viewers.

Do I need to read the book first? Not at all. The film stands on its own perfectly.

Is the animation 3D or 2D? It uses a 2D style that feels very artistic and hand-drawn.

How long is the movie? It has a tight runtime that keeps the story moving well.

Will it be in theaters or on streaming? Most regions will see a mix of both. Check your local listings.