In Waves (2026) is an English-language animated biographical drama from France and the United States. The film is directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen in her feature directorial debut.
It stars Rio Vega (voice) as AJ and Stephanie Hsu (voice) as Kristen. The story follows AJ, an introverted Los Angeles teenager who loves drawing and skateboarding.
His life changes after meeting Kristen, a passionate surfer who introduces him to the ocean and its calming power. Their romance grows as Kristen faces an increasingly serious battle with osteosarcoma.
The film combines their personal story with the history and cultural traditions of surfing, including Polynesian heritage and the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku.
It is adapted from AJ Dungo’s autobiographical graphic novel. The film premiered during Cannes Critics’ Week in 2026 and later screened at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Diaphana released it theatrically in France on July 1, 2026, while Netflix plans a limited U.S. theatrical release on November 27 and streaming on December 11, 2026.
In Waves Age Rating
In Waves is rated PG-13 by the MPA for thematic material, nudity including a full nude image, and some language. Despite being animated, this is not a typical children’s movie. The story deals with teenage romance, terminal cancer, medical treatment, death, grief, and bereavement. Parents should also be aware of artistic nudity and emotionally difficult hospital scenes.
Violence & Peril
The violence level in In Waves is mild, with no conventional fighting or action violence. The film does, however, portray physical suffering connected to cancer and its treatment. Medical procedures, hospitalization, chemotherapy, and limb surgery can create upsetting images for younger viewers.
Surfing also introduces some environmental danger. Large ocean waves and the risks associated with surfing create moments of tension. These scenes are presented as part of AJ and Kristen’s relationship with the ocean rather than as sustained action sequences.
Language
The language level is mild to moderate. Some coarse words and profanity appear during moments of teenage frustration, emotional distress, and grief. The language is not constant, but parents should expect occasional stronger expressions.
There is no indication of significant racial slurs or hate-based language. Most conversations focus on relationships, illness, art, surfing, and emotional experiences.
Mature Themes
The film’s strongest mature content comes from its treatment of cancer and death. Kristen’s diagnosis and worsening condition are central to the story. Viewers see the emotional impact of serious illness on a young person and those who care about her.
Medical treatment is also an important part of the narrative. Chemotherapy, hospitalization, surgery, and bodily changes related to cancer may be upsetting. The film explores grief, bereavement, mortality, and the fear of losing someone close.
There is also artistic full nudity. The nudity is presented within an intimate, medical, or artistic context rather than as explicit sexual material. Romantic scenes focus on affection and emotional closeness rather than sexual activity.
Is In Waves Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: With Guidance. Older children may understand the basic romance and surfing elements but could struggle with the cancer storyline. Parents should consider their child’s sensitivity to illness, death, hospital treatment, and nudity before watching.
Ages 13–15: Yes, With Guidance. The PG-13 rating makes the film more appropriate for teenagers than young children. However, parents should prepare teens for the serious cancer themes, emotional grief, medical imagery, and brief profanity.
Ages 16–17: Yes. Older teens are generally likely to handle the film’s mature themes. The story offers meaningful discussions about love, loss, illness, memory, and cultural history. Parents should still be aware of the full-nude image and emotionally difficult medical scenes.
Final recommendation: In Waves is best suited for teens aged 13 and older, with parental guidance for younger teenagers because of its cancer themes, nudity, and emotional intensity.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare younger teens for the cancer storyline and explain that the film portrays serious illness and grief realistically.
- Discuss the context of the artistic nudity before watching, especially with younger viewers.
- Use the film to talk about grief, love, mortality, surfing culture, and the importance of supporting someone facing a serious illness.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for In Waves?
A: In Waves is rated PG-13 by the MPA for thematic material, nudity including a full nude image, and some language. The film also contains serious cancer and grief themes.
Q: Is In Waves appropriate for kids?
A: It may be suitable for older children with parental guidance, but it is not a typical children’s animation. Cancer, medical treatment, death, grief, nudity, and occasional profanity make it better suited to teenagers.
Q: Is In Waves scary or violent?
A: There is very little conventional violence. However, medical treatment, surgery, physical illness, and dangerous ocean conditions may be upsetting for sensitive viewers.
Q: Does In Waves contain bad language?
A: Yes. The film contains some coarse language and mild-to-moderate profanity. It is not dominated by strong language.
Q: Does In Waves contain sexual content or nudity?
A: The film contains artistic full nudity, which is specifically included in its PG-13 rating. Romantic content centers on teenage affection and emotional intimacy rather than explicit sexual activity.
Q: Where can I watch In Waves?
A: In Waves is scheduled for a limited theatrical release beginning November 27, 2026. Netflix plans to release the film for streaming on December 11, 2026, following its theatrical window.