What Is The In Between About?
The premise of The In Between in 271 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a quietly weather‑worn coastal town, Tessa drifts through life with a camera slung over her shoulder, capturing fleeting moments that feel both intimate and timeless. Her world is a blend of sun‑lit shorelines, vintage photographs, and the gentle hum of a community that values art as much as it does the rhythm of the sea. Beneath the surface of her everyday routine, a lingering sense of loss colors everything she sees, hinting at a past that refuses to stay hidden.
When she meets the charismatic Skylar, a lover of cinema and a dreamer whose presence seems to breathe new light into her frames, a tender connection begins to blossom. Their chemistry is immediate, stitched together by shared laughs, whispered conversations, and an unspoken curiosity about each other’s hidden depths. As their bond deepens, the film takes on a lyrical, almost magical tone, weaving together the romance of first love with the quiet melancholy of someone who has already known heartache.
After a sudden tragedy separates them, Tessa finds herself caught in the hazy space between grief and hope, convinced that Skylar’s spirit may still linger in the places they once cherished. Guided by an enigmatic concept of “the in‑between”—a liminal realm where unresolved emotions seek closure—she embarks on an introspective journey. With the support of her close friend Shannon, she explores the boundaries of memory, art, and the unseen, searching for signs that love might transcend the ordinary limits of life. The film’s mood is a delicate dance of wistful romance and gentle mystery, inviting viewers to wonder how far the heart will go when it refuses to let go.
What Happens in The In Between?
The complete story of The In Between, from the first scene to the last, in 679 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The story begins with a startling traffic accident, leaving two young individuals on the ground—one barely moving, the other completely still. As Tessa regains consciousness in the hospital, we are led into a series of flashbacks that reveal her life leading up to this pivotal moment.
182 days earlier, Tessa is immersed in her passion for photography in a beautiful coastal town. She stumbles upon a local theater screening a classic French film and meets Skylar, a true romantic who offers to translate the movie for her. Despite their contrasting outlooks on life, a connection forms.
Fast forward to 102 days before the accident, where Tessa is motivated to apply to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) for her artistic talents. During a rowing meet, she and Skylar finally reunite, realizing they’ve been searching for each other. The day unfolds in a world that Tessa showcases through her unique lens. At the abandoned Empyrean hotel, they dance the waltz, share their first kiss, and Skylar promises to return for the summer.
Returning to the present, Tessa grapples with the RISD deadline looming over her. While on her way home, she discards her developing materials, influenced by her adoptive father’s remark about her mother’s tendency to abandon things. In her dreams, she often sees Skylar, sparked by her Robert Doisneau print of Le baiser de l’hôtel de ville. One memorable flashback on July 4th reveals a day filled with fireworks, intimate conversations, and their first love-making by the shore, solidifying their bond.
Tessa explains to her friend Shannon the idea from The In Between, which describes a period when someone who has passed needs to make a final connection before moving on. While sitting the SAT, something strange occurs as Skylar’s spirit seems to guide her hand, causing her to draw an erratic scribble—a hint of their intertwined fates. They hear their song, “Never Tear Us Apart,” play on everyone’s devices at the same time, adding to the mystery.
In a flashback 11 days before the tragedy, tension builds when Skylar exhibits a photo Tessa gifted him. This act reveals her struggle to openly express her feelings, despite Skylar’s hopes of a shared future. Seeking advice, Tessa photographs her adoptive mother, only to be urged to voice her emotions.
With Shannon’s help, they attempt to connect with Skylar using various methods, experimenting with planchette and electronic voice phenomena. Unexpectedly, the television responds to their attempts, giving Tessa hope. When she discovers that the GPS in her adoptive mother’s car reveals the route she sketched during the SAT, she realizes the significance of her scribblings. Following the path leads her to meet Doris, the author of The In Between, who encourages her to find Skylar at their most meaningful places.
5 days before the accident, Tessa learns of Skylar’s decision to support his father in Oregon, which leads her to interpret it as a sign. Despite being on the verge of confessing her feelings and submitting her RISD application, she ends their relationship in heartbreak.
After purchasing special photography gear, Shannon drives Tessa to the locations that hold rich memories of her time with Skylar, hoping to capture his essence or spirit. In a final attempt at The Empyrean, they finally make contact, but their connection proves fragile when Skylar unintentionally shatters a mirror while reaching for her. When police arrive, Tessa is taken back home after being tracked through her phone. Overwhelmed and collapsing, she faces a heart surgery that looms ahead.
Sneaking out of the hospital with Shannon’s assistance and Skylar’s clever manipulation of the electronics, they race back to the accident site. In an evocative flashback, Tessa remembers that fateful night as she chases after Skylar before his departure, causing their timelines to merge. As paramedics administer help to Tessa’s lifeless body, she is momentarily reunited with Skylar, reimagining their love in a serene, black-and-white Paris and echoing the sentiment, > “love never dies.”
In a touching mid-credits scene, Tessa and Skylar are seen joyfully drawing stick figures in the sand on the beach, embodying their enduring connection.
The In Between Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
16 key events in the order they happen, from “The Accident” to “Mid-Credits Scene”. 11 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
The Accident
The story begins with a startling traffic accident, leaving two young individuals on the ground. One is barely moving while the other lies completely still, initiating a profound turning point in their lives.
- 2
Tessa Awakens
Tessa regains consciousness in a hospital bed, disoriented and confused. This moment marks the beginning of a series of flashbacks that delve into her life before the accident, illuminating her passions and relationships.
Where:Hospital
- 3
Journey to the Past
Flashbacks take the audience back 182 days earlier when Tessa is captivated by photography in a scenic coastal town. During this time, she discovers a local theater showcasing a classic French film, where she meets Skylar, a romantic figure who offers to translate the movie.
When:182 days earlier Where:Coastal Town
- 4
A Growing Connection
Despite their different outlooks, Tessa and Skylar form a unique connection over their shared love of film and art. This budding romance intertwines their lives as they explore their artistic dreams together.
- 5
Reunion at the Rowing Meet
Fast forward to 102 days before the accident, Tessa is determined to apply to the Rhode Island School of Design. She and Skylar have a serendipitous reunion during a rowing meet, realizing they had both been searching for each other.
When:102 days before the accident Where:Rowing Venue
- 6
First Kiss
The day unfolds as Tessa captures it through her lens, leading them to the abandoned Empyrean hotel. It is here they share their first kiss while dancing the waltz, and Skylar promises he will return for the summer.
Where:Empyrean Hotel
- 7
July 4th Memories
Tessa reminisces about July 4th, a day filled with fireworks and intimate conversations. It marks a significant moment where they share their first love-making by the shore, solidifying their emotional bond.
When:July 4th Where:The Shore
- 8
The SAT Incident
While sitting for her SAT, Tessa experiences an inexplicable moment where Skylar's spirit guides her hand, leading to an erratic scribble on her paper. This peculiar event creates a sense of mystery about their intertwined fates.
Where:SAT Exam Room
- 9
The 11-Day Countdown
Just 11 days before the accident, Skylar displays a photo Tessa had gifted him, shedding light on her struggle to be open about her feelings. This moment builds tension as both navigate their hopes for a shared future.
When:11 days before the accident
- 10
Seeking Connection
With Shannon's help, Tessa attempts to connect with Skylar through various methods, including a planchette. Their efforts culminate in a moment where the television responds to their commands, giving Tessa a glimmer of hope.
Show the other 6 events of The In Between Hide the last 6 events
- 11
The Path to Skylar
Upon discovering that a GPS route mirrors a path she sketched during the SAT, Tessa is driven to seek out places significant to her and Skylar. She meets Doris, the author of *The In Between*, who encourages her in her search for connection.
Where:Various Significant Locations
- 12
The Heartbreak
Five days before the accident, Tessa learns that Skylar has decided to support his father in Oregon. Misinterpreting this as a sign, she heartbreakingly chooses to end their relationship right as she is about to confess her true feelings.
When:5 days before the accident
- 13
Final Attempts
After acquiring special photography gear, Shannon drives Tessa to meaningful locations in hopes of capturing Skylar's essence. At the Empyrean hotel, they make contact, but the connection is fragile when Skylar unintentionally shatters a mirror.
Where:Empyrean Hotel
- 14
Racing Against Time
After being taken home by police due to her whereabouts, Tessa faces imminent heart surgery. With Shannon's help, she escapes the hospital, racing back to the accident site while recalling memories with Skylar.
Where:Accident Site
- 15
Love Never Dies
In a poignant moment, Tessa is briefly reunited with Skylar as paramedics try to revive her lifeless body. Through memories, they reimagine their love in a peaceful setting, embodying the belief that true love never dies.
Where:Serene Black-and-White Paris
- 16
Mid-Credits Scene
In a touching mid-credits scene, Tessa and Skylar joyfully draw stick figures in the sand at the beach. This moment represents their enduring connection and the timeless essence of their love.
Where:The Beach
Who Are the Main Characters in The In Between?
4 characters, among them Tessa (Joey King), Skylar (Kyle Allen) and Shannon (Celeste O'Connor): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Tessa (Joey King)
Played by Joey King
Tessa is an introspective and passionate young woman navigating her emotions and aspirations. Her love for photography reflects her desire to capture moments and understand the world around her. Through her relationship with Skylar, she grapples with feelings of love, loss, and the struggle to express herself openly.
- 📸 Artist
- 💔 Grieving
-
Skylar (Kyle Allen)
Played by Kyle Allen
Skylar is a romantic and caring figure in Tessa's life, known for his charm and supportive nature. His presence brings light to Tessa's world, encouraging her to embrace her artistic talents. Skylar's journey takes a tragic turn, yet his spirit continues to inspire Tessa, showcasing his enduring influence on her life.
- ❤️ Romantic
- 🌊 Adventurous
-
Shannon (Celeste O'Connor)
Played by Celeste O'Connor
Shannon is Tessa's loyal friend who supports her during the emotional upheaval following Skylar's accident. Her unwavering encouragement helps Tessa navigate her grief while pushing her to confront her feelings. Shannon embodies the essence of true friendship in times of crisis.
- 🤝 Supportive
- 💡 Insightful
-
Doris (Donna Biscoe)
Played by Donna Biscoe
Doris is a key figure representing wisdom and guidance for Tessa. As the author of *The In Between*, she encourages Tessa to seek closure and connection with Skylar. Her advice serves as a catalyst for Tessa's journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's emotions.
- 📚 Mentor
- 💬 Wise
Where and When Is The In Between Set?
The In Between is set in coastal town, Empyrean hotel and Rhode Island (182 days earlier, 102 days earlier). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
182 days earlier, 102 days earlier
The movie spans various timelines, starting 182 days before the accident and detailing Tessa's journey through her passion for photography and her romance. Flashbacks depict critical moments, including Tessa's decision to apply to the Rhode Island School of Design and the milestones in her relationship with Skylar. This nonlinear narrative highlights the significance of memories and emotional connections in shaping one's identity and future.
Where
coastal town, Empyrean hotel, Rhode Island
The movie is primarily set in a picturesque coastal town, known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community. The Empyrean hotel, now abandoned, serves as a poignant backdrop for key emotional moments between Tessa and Skylar, representing lost dreams and memories. Rhode Island plays a significant role as Tessa's desired destination for her artistic studies, embodying hope and aspiration.
- 🏖️ Coastal
- 🎭 Abandoned
What Are the Themes of The In Between?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Loss, Art and Creation and Spirituality and Connections.
-
01
Love and Loss
The central theme of love and loss is explored through Tessa and Skylar's poignant relationship, illustrating the depth of connection that transcends life and death. Tessa's journey after the accident underscores the emotional turmoil of grieving while yearning for unresolved feelings. Ultimately, the narrative suggests that love endures even when physical presence is lost.
-
02
Art and Creation
Art and creation play crucial roles in Tessa's character development, as photography serves as her medium for expression and connection. The story highlights how creative outlets can help in processing emotions and preserving memories. Tessa's aspiration to attend the Rhode Island School of Design emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passions, reinforcing the idea that art can be a bridge to understanding oneself and one's relationships.
-
03
Spirituality and Connections
The theme of spirituality is intricately woven into the narrative, particularly the concept of 'The In Between,' a space for unresolved connections after death. Tessa's experiences with Skylar's spirit and their attempts to communicate illustrate the belief in shared destinies and connections that bind souls. This theme invites reflection on how love transcends physical separation and emphasizes the comfort found in spiritual ties.
What Kind of Film Is The In Between?
Melancholic in tone, with variable pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A melancholic and emotionally resonant journey through young love and profound grief, blending dreamlike supernatural elements with the heavy, raw reality of loss and the bittersweet hope of a connection beyond death.
- melancholic
- romantic
- dreamlike
- grieving
- longing
- supernatural
- teen love story
- grief and loss
- supernatural connection
- tragic accident
Content notes: car accident, death of a loved one, heart surgery.
Quiz
How well do you remember The In Between? Test yourself on the story.
