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Every Day (2018) Plot Summary & Timeline

Every Day (2018) movie poster

Every Day is a 2018 drama and fantasy film directed by Michael Sucsy, running 1 hour 37 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 455 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Every Day.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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Every Day (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m
Director
Michael Sucsy
Genres
Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Every Day About?

The premise of Every Day in 250 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a sun‑lit suburban setting that feels both familiar and slightly off‑kilter, the story follows a teenage girl whose life is quietly unsettled by an otherworldly occurrence. An enigmatic presence known only as A awakens each morning inside a different body, offering a fresh face, voice, and set of circumstances. The premise hinges on this daily metamorphosis, turning ordinary high‑school corridors and weekend hangouts into a delicate backdrop for a mystery that is as emotional as it is supernatural.

Rhiannon, a sixteen‑year‑old with a sharp wit and a yearning for genuine connection, becomes the center of this uncanny dance. Her everyday concerns—family tensions, friendships, the ache of unreciprocated messages—are amplified when she meets A, whose shifting identities force her to confront what it truly means to know and love someone. The film balances her teenage vulnerability with the surreal curiosity sparked by a being who can be anyone and no one at once, setting up a poignant exploration of intimacy that transcends a single face.

The tone blends the breezy, sun‑splashed mood of adolescent life with a quiet, introspective undercurrent, creating an atmosphere that feels both hopeful and wistful. Visuals shift subtly to reflect the ever‑changing vessel of A, while the soundtrack mirrors the heartbeat of first love and the lingering question of identity. As Rhiannon navigates this fragile, ever‑resetting relationship, the story invites viewers to wonder how love endures when the person you cherish is perpetually reinvented, leaving the audience eager to see where this tender, speculative romance leads.

Full plot

What Happens in Every Day?

The complete story of Every Day, from the first scene to the last, in 455 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

The film opens with Justin (Justice Smith) waking up and setting his smartphone alarms for 11 PM and 11:50 PM. We are then introduced to Rhiannon (Angourie Rice), who expresses her frustration about her boyfriend’s lack of response to her texts. After a brief encounter at school, Rhiannon eagerly asks Justin to skip school together. Their spontaneous day is filled with joy as they explore an aquarium, enjoy the beach, and share intimate moments. During their time together, Rhiannon opens up about her father’s struggles after a failed promotion, reflecting on their family’s changing dynamics; despite the momentary happiness, Justin ominously reminds her that not every day can be like today.

The next day begins with Amy (Jeni Ross), a new girl, who wishes to experience a day of anonymity by ghosting Rhiannon. Confiding in her friend Rebecca (Amanda Arcuri) and Alexander (Owen Teague), they navigate their school life until Nathan (Lucas Jade Zumann) introduces himself at a party, making Rhiannon question her connection with Justin.

As things unfold, Rhiannon receives a confusing text from an unknown number and learns that A, a mysterious entity, has been inhabiting the bodies of various individuals, including Justin, Amy, and Nathan. The revelation about A’s unique existence, waking up in different bodies each day, disrupts her perception of love and connection. This revelation leads them to develop an extraordinary bond with moments of self-discovery interspersed.

Complications arise as A occupies Rhiannon’s body and experiences school life through her eyes. Meanwhile, Rhiannon finds herself torn between her burgeoning feelings for A and the realities of her life with Justin. As A inhabits the diverse spectrum of existence, each encounter reveals deeper truths and feelings, pushing Rhiannon to evaluate her relationships.

Tragedy strikes when A inhabits the body of a girl named Kelsey, who has contemplated suicide. The urgency drives Rhiannon to intervene, leading to moments of heart-wrenching connection and emotional intensity. As A continues to evolve, Rhiannon finds herself at a crossroads, facing the impossible choice of pursuing a relationship with someone who can never truly be herself.

In a poignant scene, A occupies Alexander’s body, allowing the two to explore a simpler connection. However, as the end of the day nears, A knows that their time together is limited. The film crescendos with heartfelt confessions of love and selflessness as A encourages Rhiannon to seek genuine happiness without him.

Ultimately, Justin’s return to Rhiannon provokes a bittersweet conclusion. As Rhiannon discovers a new beginning with Alexander, it echoes the cycle of teenage love and growth, filled with promise and uncertainty. The film ends with the heavy, yet hopeful suggestion that love is a complex journey, filled with transitions that shape who we are and who we will become.

Timeline

Every Day Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Justin Sets Alarms” to “Love's Complex Journey”. 3 events name a place, across 3 locations.

  1. 1

    Justin Sets Alarms

    The film opens with Justin waking up and setting his smartphone alarms for 11 PM and 11:50 PM. This action hints at a significant day ahead, setting the tone for the events to unfold.

  2. 2

    Rhiannon's Frustration

    We are introduced to Rhiannon, who expresses her frustration towards her boyfriend Justin due to his lack of response to her texts. This moment captures the essence of their relationship and her need for connection.

  3. 3

    Skipping School

    Rhiannon eagerly invites Justin to skip school together, showcasing her desire for spontaneity and connection. Their decision marks the beginning of a day filled with new experiences and joy.

  4. 4

    Day of Exploration

    Their adventure takes them to an aquarium, followed by a relaxing day at the beach where they share intimate moments. This day signifies a break from routine and represents a peak in their emotional connection.

    Where:Aquarium, Beach

  5. 5

    Family Dynamics Revealed

    During their day together, Rhiannon opens up about her father's struggles after a failed promotion. This conversation reflects on her family's shifting dynamics, deepening the emotional context of her character.

  6. 6

    The Next Day - A New Girl

    The following day introduces Amy, a new girl in school who wants to experience anonymity. Her desire to ghost Rhiannon sets up the dynamics for future relationships and events.

  7. 7

    Meeting Nathan

    At a party, Rhiannon meets Nathan, who shakes the foundation of her feelings for Justin. This encounter prompts her to question her emotional ties and connections.

    Where:Party

  8. 8

    The Revelation of A

    Rhiannon receives a confusing text from an unknown number, leading her to discover that A, a mysterious entity, has been inhabiting the bodies of various individuals, including Justin. This revelation creates a ripple effect in her understanding of love and friendship.

  9. 9

    A Inhabits Rhiannon

    A occupies Rhiannon's body, providing a unique perspective as they navigate through her school life. This experience pushes Rhiannon to confront her feelings for A versus her relationship with Justin.

    Where:School

  10. 10

    Tragedy with Kelsey

    The situation escalates when A inhabits the body of Kelsey, a girl struggling with suicidal thoughts. Rhiannon's urgent intervention leads to emotional depth and connection, highlighting the themes of empathy and support.

Show the other 5 events of Every Day
  1. 11

    Exploring Simplicity with A

    A inhabits Alexander's body, allowing a simpler connection to flourish between him and Rhiannon. Despite this, the clock is ticking, reminding A of the fleeting nature of their time together.

  2. 12

    A's Selfless Confession

    In a heartfelt moment, A encourages Rhiannon to seek genuine happiness, knowing their relationship can never be fully realized. This scene serves as a pivotal moment of selflessness and love.

  3. 13

    Bittersweet Reunion with Justin

    Justin returns to Rhiannon, provoking a complex emotional response as she navigates her feelings. The reunion forces Rhiannon to reflect on her experiences and what she truly desires.

  4. 14

    New Beginnings with Alexander

    As Rhiannon discovers a new beginning with Alexander, it illustrates the cycle of teenage love and growth. The transition represents both hope and the uncertainty that comes with new relationships.

  5. 15

    Love's Complex Journey

    The film concludes with the suggestion that love is a complicated journey, filled with experiences that shape individuals. It leaves viewers pondering the nature of connection and personal growth.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Every Day?

4 characters, among them Justin (Justice Smith), Rhiannon (Angourie Rice) and A: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Justice Smith as Justin (Justice Smith) in Every Day

    Justin (Justice Smith)

    Played by Justice Smith

    Justin is Rhiannon's boyfriend, whose presence represents the comfort and familiarity of first love. As she navigates her evolving feelings, Justin becomes a mirror for her emotions, embodying the challenges of teenage relationships.

    • 👦 Boyfriend
    • 💔 Love
    • 🤔 Confusion
  • Angourie Rice as Rhiannon (Angourie Rice) in Every Day

    Rhiannon (Angourie Rice)

    Played by Angourie Rice

    Rhiannon is a thoughtful and introspective character, undergoing significant self-discovery throughout the film. Her feelings for both Justin and A force her to confront her identity and desires, making her journey relatable for many young viewers.

    • 👧 Teenager
    • 🌱 Growth
    • ❤️ Love
  • A

    A

    A is a mysterious entity that inhabits different bodies each day, representing the fluidity of identity and love. Through its experiences, A challenges perceptions of connection, pushing Rhiannon to reflect on her own feelings and priorities.

    • 👤 Entity
    • 🔄 Identity
    • 💞 Connection
  • Jeni Ross as Amy (Jeni Ross) in Every Day

    Amy (Jeni Ross)

    Played by Jeni Ross

    Amy is a new girl at school, seeking anonymity and understanding. Her interactions with Rhiannon reveal the complexities of friendship and personal expression during adolescence.

    • 👩 Newcomer
    • 🗣️ Friendship
    • 🌌 Exploration
Setting

Where and When Is Every Day Set?

Every Day is set in Aquarium, Beach and School. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting the complexities of modern teenage life. With the presence of smartphones and social media, the film explores the dynamics of relationships through digital connections, emblematic of today's youth culture.

Where

Aquarium, Beach, School

The film features various quintessential places where the characters experience the highs and lows of teenage life. The beach serves as a backdrop for joy and spontaneity, while the aquarium symbolizes curiosity and wonder. The school embodies the struggles of adolescence, serving as a space where relationships evolve.

  • 🏖️ Beach
  • 🐠 Aquarium
  • 🏫 School
Themes

What Are the Themes of Every Day?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Self-Discovery and Heartbreak.

  1. 01

    Love

    The film dives deep into the intricacies of love, showcasing how connection can transcend physical boundaries. Through the experiences of Rhiannon and A, it highlights the importance of emotional bonds and self-identity in relationships, questioning what it means to truly love someone.

  2. 02

    Self-Discovery

    Every Day emphasizes the journey of self-discovery, as Rhiannon navigates her feelings and relationships. The unique perspective of A, inhabiting different bodies, serves as a metaphor for exploring one's identity and finding acceptance in a world full of expectations.

  3. 03

    Heartbreak

    The film poignantly addresses themes of heartbreak and the bittersweet nature of love. As Rhiannon grapples with the reality of her connection with A and her relationship with Justin, the narrative reflects the inevitable changes that come with growing up and the pain of letting go.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Every Day?

Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Bittersweet
Pacing
Steady
Story
Moderate
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Bittersweet

A tender and melancholic romantic drama that explores the bittersweet nature of loving someone who changes every day, filled with moments of genuine connection and the ache of impermanence.

  • melancholic
  • introspective
  • dreamy
  • yearning
  • tender
  • poignant
  • teenage romance
  • identity
  • coming of age
  • self-discovery

Content notes: suicide.

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FAQ

Every Day Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Every Day, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Every Day about?

In a sun‑lit suburban setting that feels both familiar and slightly off‑kilter, the story follows a teenage girl whose life is quietly unsettled by an otherworldly occurrence.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Every Day take place?

Every Day is set in Aquarium, Beach and School. The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting the complexities of modern teenage life. With the presence of smartphones and social media, the film explores the dynamics of relationships through digital…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Every Day?

The story follows Justin (Justice Smith) (played by Justice Smith), Rhiannon (Angourie Rice) (played by Angourie Rice), A and Amy (Jeni Ross) (played by Jeni Ross).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Every Day?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Love, Self-Discovery and Heartbreak.

The themes explained

Who directed Every Day?

Every Day (2018) was directed by Michael Sucsy and runs 1 hour 37 minutes.

Michael Sucsy’s films

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