The Poetry of Waves: How 'In Waves' Captures the Essence of Love and Loss
There’s something profoundly moving about stories that intertwine the beauty of nature with the complexities of human emotion. In Waves, the animated film that opened Cannes’ Critics’ Week, does exactly that—but it does so with a subtlety and grace that feels almost revolutionary in today’s cinematic landscape. Personally, I think what makes this film stand out isn’t just its hand-drawn animation or its heartfelt narrative; it’s the way it uses water—specifically waves—as a metaphor for life’s unpredictability. Waves rise, crash, and recede, much like love, loss, and resilience. And In Waves rides that metaphor with a poetic elegance that’s hard to shake.
Love as a Tidal Force
At its core, In Waves is a love story between AJ, an introverted skateboarder, and Kristen, a fearless surfer. Their relationship begins with the awkwardness of adolescence—a meet-cute that feels both familiar and fresh. But what’s particularly fascinating is how the film uses their shared passion for the ocean to explore the depths of their connection. Kristen teaches AJ to surf, and in doing so, she introduces him to a world where vulnerability and strength coexist.
What many people don’t realize is that surfing isn’t just a sport; it’s a dance with nature, a lesson in surrender and control. This duality mirrors AJ and Kristen’s relationship, which is as much about supporting each other as it is about navigating their own fears and desires. When Kristen faces a life-threatening illness, the waves become a symbol of her resilience—and AJ’s love becomes the anchor that keeps her tethered to hope.
The Visual Language of Emotion
Director Phuong Mai Nguyen’s use of animation is nothing short of masterful. The film’s watercolor palette captures the sun-kissed vibrancy of Southern California, while its black-and-white sequences—featuring an imagined Hawaiian princess—add layers of symbolism and historical depth. From my perspective, these monochrome scenes aren’t just aesthetic choices; they’re a way to underscore Kristen’s cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of surfing as a tradition.
One thing that immediately stands out is the film’s attention to sensory detail. The sound of waves crashing, the rustle of palm fronds, the scratch of markers on paper—these elements create a tactile experience that draws you into AJ’s world as an artist. It’s as if the film is saying: love, like art, is something you feel as much as you see.
Cultural Identity as a Subtle Current
What this film really suggests is that cultural identity doesn’t need to be shouted from the rooftops to be meaningful. Kristen and AJ’s Philippine American heritage is woven into the story organically—through snippets of Tagalog, through Kristen’s stories about Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing. This raises a deeper question: how do we honor our roots while carving out our own paths?
In my opinion, In Waves answers this question by showing that cultural identity isn’t a static thing; it’s a current that flows through us, shaping our choices and connections. Kristen’s love for surfing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of reclaiming a part of her heritage that was nearly erased by colonialism. And AJ’s journey into the water is, in many ways, a journey into understanding her world.
The Ache of Impermanence
If you take a step back and think about it, In Waves is as much about loss as it is about love. Kristen’s illness serves as a stark reminder that life, like the ocean, is unpredictable. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how the film refuses to romanticize suffering. Instead, it shows how pain can deepen our capacity for love and gratitude.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the way the film handles time. There’s a scene where AJ sends a text to Kristen and waits—the suspense of adolescence distilled into a single moment. Later, when Kristen is hospitalized, time seems to stretch and contract, reflecting the emotional turmoil of their situation. This isn’t just a story about two people falling in love; it’s a story about how love changes us, moment by moment.
The Balm of Love
By the end of the film, AJ, Kristen, and their friends find themselves in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by icy beauty and a sense of terror. But even here, in this unfamiliar landscape, love remains their constant. What this really suggests is that love isn’t a shield against life’s hardships—it’s a balm that helps us endure them.
Personally, I think In Waves is a reminder that life, like the ocean, is both beautiful and brutal. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from the pain of existence but instead finds poetry in it. As the four friends wait for a wave on the sunset-pink Pacific, you realize that this isn’t just a story about them—it’s a story about all of us, riding the waves of love and loss, hoping to find our balance.
Final Thoughts
What makes In Waves so compelling isn’t just its story but the way it invites us to reflect on our own lives. How do we face the waves that come our way? Do we let them overwhelm us, or do we learn to ride them? From my perspective, this film is a testament to the power of love and resilience—a quiet stunner that lingers long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for a film that marries primal poetry to the quotidian, In Waves is it. Just don’t be surprised if it leaves you with a heart full of ache and a soul full of hope.
