Netflix’s In Waves is gorgeous and emotionally raw. It absolutely broke me, but this beautiful story of young love is worth every tear.
I can admit it. In Waves absolutely broke me. Even before the credits started rolling, I felt emotionally exhausted – but in a good way, if that makes sense. It is a gorgeous, deeply touching film – and it is also a movie that I will likely never watch again. Truly, I just don’t think I can handle going through it a second time, knowing exactly how it all ends up.
On paper, sure, we have all seen young love stories before. The trope of in-love teenagers facing a medical crisis isn’t new to cinema. Yet, In Waves still manages to feel unique and incredibly special. It just feels grouned, which makes it feel raw and real.
Set in Los Angeles, the bond that forms between AJ and Kristen is beautifully paced. Seeing a shy teenager who loves skateboarding and drawing fall madly in love with a girl who lives for the ocean felt so pure. But when Kristen faces a sudden, devastating illness, the trajectory of their happy future shatters.
A massive part of why this emotional weight hits so hard is the animation itself. The art style is incredibly elegant and eye-capturing, using visual storytelling to convey grief and love in ways that words simply cannot. Every frame feels deliberate, capturing both the energy of skateboarding and the humbling power of the ocean.
The film is an adaptation of AJ Dungo’s acclaimed graphic memoir. I haven’t read the original book yet, but after experiencing this film, I now desperately want to seek it out just to see how this incredible visual language translates from page to screen.
In Waves is a true emotional roller coaster, filled with soaring ups and devastating downs. Even if you can guess exactly where the plot is going – or if you already know the real-life history behind the memoir – it is absolutely worth the watch. Predictability doesn’t dilute the impact here. If anything, the looming tragedy makes the tender moments sweeter. Sometimes, there is nothing better for the soul than a good, therapeutic cry, and that is precisely what this film gave me.
If you haven’t figured it out already, the story here follows some very heavy themes. There is one scene in particular toward the end that could be highly triggering for anyone who has watched a loved one go through a severe illness. But even if it made me bawl my eyes out, the ending is beautiful and touching in its own way. It doesn’t offer cheap comfort, but it does offer a sense of peace.
Ultimately, many people will relate to this film in one way or another, because at its core, it isn’t just about loss. In Waves serves as a powerful, necessary reminder of just how important our foundational friendships and first loves truly are. They shape who we are, teach us how to survive the darkest storms, and leave an imprint on our souls that remains long after the tide goes out. It’s a devastating watch, but one that is worth every single tear.
About In Waves
In Los Angeles, AJ, a shy teenager, meets Kristen. She lives for surfing; he loves skateboarding and drawing. They fall madly in love, and a happy future seems within reach. But everything changes when Kristen faces a sudden illness. Together, they face adversity, driven by the strength of their love, their friends, and their newly shared passion for surfing and the ocean.
In Waves is currently playing through the festival circuit and will arrive on Netflix at a later date.
