Riding the Emotional Tide: Why 'In Waves' Is More Than Just a Love Story
There’s something about animated films that allows them to tackle heavy themes with a delicacy live-action often struggles to achieve. In Waves, Phuong Mal Nguyen’s debut feature, is a prime example. On the surface, it’s a love story—a boy, a girl, and the ocean that brings them together. But personally, I think what makes this film truly remarkable is how it uses the backdrop of surfing to explore something far deeper: the human capacity to endure loss, to find beauty in brokenness, and to keep moving forward, even when the waves threaten to pull you under.
Love, Loss, and the Language of Waves
The story of A.J. and Kristen is, at its core, a modern retelling of the classic love-story-turned-tragedy. But what many people don’t realize is how the film subverts expectations. Yes, there’s the meet-cute, the opposites-attract dynamic, and the inevitable heartbreak. But In Waves isn’t just about romance; it’s about resilience. Kristen’s cancer diagnosis and her decision to amputate her leg to continue surfing aren’t just plot points—they’re metaphors for the choices we all face when life throws us into uncharted waters.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the film intertwines the personal with the cultural. The history of Hawaiian surfing, with its reverence for figures like Duke Kahanamoku, isn’t just a side note; it’s a way to ground the story in something larger than itself. Surfing becomes a symbol of freedom, of defiance, and of connection to something timeless. If you take a step back and think about it, the ocean itself becomes a character—unpredictable, powerful, and ultimately, healing.
Animation as a Medium for Emotion
One thing that immediately stands out is the animation style. It’s lush, vibrant, and almost dreamlike, which is a bold choice for a story that deals with such heavy themes. But in my opinion, this is where In Waves shines brightest. The visuals don’t just illustrate the story; they amplify it. The fluidity of the animation mirrors the ebb and flow of A.J. and Kristen’s relationship, making the emotional highs and lows feel almost tangible.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the film uses color. The sunny, golden hues of their early romance contrast sharply with the muted blues and grays of Kristen’s illness. It’s a subtle but powerful way to convey the emotional weight of the story without relying on dialogue. This raises a deeper question: How much can we communicate through visuals alone? In Waves proves that animation isn’t just for kids—it’s a medium capable of conveying complex emotions with stunning precision.
The Power of True Stories
What this really suggests is that the most compelling stories are often the ones rooted in reality. In Waves is based on A.J. Dungo’s 2019 graphic novel, which itself is a memoir of his own experiences with love and loss. This isn’t just a tearjerker; it’s a testament to the human spirit. From my perspective, this is what sets the film apart. It’s not just about A.J. and Kristen—it’s about all of us. We’ve all faced waves that threatened to overwhelm us, and we’ve all had to decide whether to let them pull us under or ride them out.
A Global Wave of Emotion
Netflix’s decision to pick up In Waves out of Cannes and shepherd it through awards season is a smart move. This is a film that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Paris, or Tokyo, the themes of love, loss, and resilience resonate universally. What many people don’t realize is how rare it is for an animated film to achieve this level of emotional depth while still maintaining a sense of hope.
Final Thoughts: Why This Film Stays With You
If you’re looking for a film that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful, In Waves is it. Personally, I think its greatest strength lies in its ability to make you feel deeply without resorting to cheap sentimentality. It’s a story about love, yes, but it’s also about the waves of life—the ones that knock you down, and the ones that carry you forward.
What this really suggests is that sometimes, the most profound stories are the ones that remind us of our shared humanity. In Waves does that beautifully. It’s not just a film; it’s an experience. And in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, that’s something we could all use a little more of.
