The Summer
2023
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Representation score: 4.3 out of 10
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In Waves
Representation Score
4.8/10
Fair
2026
Director
Phuong Mai Nguyen
Runtime
91 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
In Waves centers on a heartfelt romance between AJ and Kristen, with Kristen’s illness adding emotional depth. The film portrays disability with care, avoiding pity or inspiration tropes. While the voice cast is diverse, the story does not explore cultural or racial identities in depth. LGBTQ+ representation is absent. The narrative focuses on personal love and resilience rather than broader social themes. Evidence is limited to the synopsis, so confidence in these findings is moderate.
Category Breakdown
Does In Waves have LGBTQ+ representation?
No LGBTQ+ characters or same-sex relationships appear in the available plot details. The central romance is strictly between AJ and Kristen, leaving queer identities entirely absent from the narrative.
How does In Waves portray gender?
Kristen drives the story through her surfing passion and illness, while AJ supports her. Both genders share emotional weight, but the plot centers on a traditional heterosexual romance.
How racially and ethnically diverse is In Waves?
The voice cast includes actors of diverse backgrounds, such as Lyna Khoudri and Birane Ba. However, the synopsis does not specify character races or highlight cultural identities.
How does In Waves represent religion and culture?
The film focuses on personal relationships and individual adversity rather than broader cultural or political themes. Western institutions are neither praised nor criticized.
Does In Waves include disability representation?
Kristen faces a sudden illness, making disability a central plot point. She is portrayed as active and resilient, supported by her partner and friends.
Present on Screen
- Kristen’s illness is handled with dignity, showing her as resilient rather than helpless.
- The voice cast suggests racial diversity, even if character identities are not explicitly detailed.
Limited or Absent
- No LGBTQ+ representation is present in the main cast or storyline.
- Cultural and racial identities are not explored beyond casting, limiting deeper representation.
Official Synopsis
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.
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