What Is The Year Between About?
The premise of The Year Between in 284 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet suburbs of Illinois, a sudden mental breakdown forces a promising college sophomore to confront a reality far beyond the lecture halls she once called home. Clemence Miller returns to a house that feels both familiar and foreign, its once‑comforting rooms now echoing the uncertainty of her new diagnosis. The film settles into a gentle, observant tone, letting the audience feel the weight of everyday life filtered through the lens of someone learning to navigate the unpredictable tides of bipolar disorder.
The story unfolds within the intimate sphere of family, where love is earnest but often clumsy. Sherri, Clemence’s mother, runs a modest craft store and strives to balance practical concerns with maternal devotion, while Don, her father and a schoolteacher, maintains a hopeful optimism that sometimes masks deeper anxieties. Their younger children, Carlin and Neil, each respond in their own way—Carlin wrestling with the fear of inheritance and a drive to excel academically, and Neil moving cautiously around the shifting emotional landscape Clemence creates.
Medical guidance arrives in the form of a calm, steady presence—Dr. Madzen—who offers a diagnosis and a roadmap of treatment that promises structure amid chaos. Yet the true heart of the film lies in the subtle dynamics of adjustment: the quiet negotiations of space, the tentative rebuilding of routines, and the lingering question of how a family redefines itself when one member’s internal world is suddenly amplified for everyone else to see.
Through soft lighting, measured pacing, and a focus on personal rather than plot‑driven drama, the film invites viewers to sit beside Clemence as she begins the delicate work of finding balance, hinting at both the challenges and the quiet moments of hope that lie ahead.
What Happens in The Year Between?
The complete story of The Year Between, from the first scene to the last, in 297 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
As Clemence Miller faces the chaotic fallout of her sophomore year in college, her erratic actions create a growing rift between her and those she loves. The continuous torment she experiences pushes her beleaguered roommate, Eliza, to alert both the college administration and her concerned mother, Sherri, who owns a local craft store. This alarming situation prompts an intervention, ultimately leading to Clemence having to withdraw from her studies and return home. There, she discovers her childhood room has been converted into an office, leaving her relegated to a cold and unwelcoming basement.
Seeking help, Clemence consults a psychiatrist, Dr. Madzen, who diagnoses her with bipolar disorder and prescribes her a strict medication regimen, including lithium, to manage her extreme mood swings. Initially resistant to this new reality, she is gradually encouraged to adhere to her treatment by the unyielding support of her mother.
At home, the reception from her family is mixed. Don, her father and a local schoolteacher, strives to maintain an optimistic outlook, even as her younger siblings express their fears and reservations. Carlin, her sister, is particularly concerned about inheriting her sister’s struggles and dedicates herself to improving her ACT scores in hopes of avoiding a similar path. Meanwhile, her brother, Neil, treads cautiously around Clemence, uncertain of how to cope with the chaotic atmosphere she brings.
Despite her challenging situation, Clemence takes steps to improve her life by attending therapy sessions and finding part-time work at a nearby thrift store. There, she begins to build a hesitant friendship with coworker Beth and manages to stay sober. However, her newfound stability is tested as she reconnects with Ashik, a past party friend. This rekindled relationship threatens to undo the progress she has made and jeopardizes the fragile support system she has slowly constructed.
The Year Between Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Clemence's Turmoil Begins” to “Clemence's Journey to Acceptance”. 10 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Clemence's Turmoil Begins
Clemence Miller experiences a turbulent sophomore year in college, leading her to make erratic decisions that strain her relationships. Her erratic behavior causes concern among her friends and family, highlighting the struggles she faces during this chaotic period.
When:Sophomore Year Where:College
- 2
Eliza Alerts Authorities
Seeing the impact of Clemence's declining mental state, her roommate Eliza takes the brave step to notify the college administration. This action is driven by a sense of urgency to protect both Clemence and themselves from further turmoil.
When:During Sophomore Year Where:College Administration's Office
- 3
Intervention by Loved Ones
Eliza's concern leads her to inform Clemence's mother, Sherri, about the alarming situation. This prompts Sherri and others to intervene, which ultimately forces Clemence to withdraw from college.
When:After the Alert
- 4
Return Home
Clemence returns to her childhood home, only to find her room converted into an office. This alteration symbolizes the changes in her life and adds to her sense of loss and isolation.
When:Post-Withdrawal Where:Childhood Home
- 5
Seeking Professional Help
In an effort to address her mental health challenges, Clemence seeks help from psychiatrist Dr. Madzen. Here, she is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and begins a new treatment plan involving lithium.
When:Shortly After Returning Home Where:Psychiatrist's Office
- 6
Resistance to Treatment
Initially, Clemence struggles with accepting her diagnosis and the medication regimen, resulting in a rocky start to her treatment. However, her mother remains steadfast in her support, encouraging Clemence to adhere to her recovery plan.
When:During Therapy Sessions Where:Household
- 7
Mixed Family Reactions
Clemence's family has varied responses to her return. While her father, Don, tries to maintain a positive outlook, her siblings express worries about their own futures and the potential legacy of Clemence's struggles.
When:After Returning Home Where:Family Home
- 8
Clemence's Sister's Concerns
Carlin, Clemence's younger sister, becomes particularly anxious about inheriting her sister's challenges and thus focuses on improving her ACT scores. This reflects the impact Clemence's issues have on her family dynamics.
When:During Clemence's Recovery Where:Family Home
- 9
Clemence's Attempts at Stability
In a bid to regain control over her life, Clemence starts attending therapy sessions regularly. She also finds part-time work at a nearby thrift store, which helps to instill a sense of purpose in her daily routine.
When:During Employment Where:Thrift Store
- 10
Friendship with Beth
While working at the thrift store, Clemence begins to develop a tentative friendship with coworker Beth. This newfound connection provides Clemence with a support system outside of her family, crucial for her recovery.
When:During Employment Where:Thrift Store
Show the other 4 events of The Year Between Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Testing Stability
Clemence's newfound stability is put to the test when she reconnects with Ashik, a former party friend. This rekindled relationship poses a risk to the progress she has made in her recovery journey.
When:During Employment
- 12
Navigating Recovery
As Clemence navigates her recovery journey, she grapples with the challenges of maintaining her sobriety while managing relationships that could jeopardize her mental health. Her experience reflects the complexities of healing.
When:Throughout Recovery
- 13
Ongoing Support from Family
Despite the difficulties, Clemence's family continues to support her in various ways. Each of them plays a role in her journey, as they learn to cope with the changing family dynamics brought about by her mental health struggles.
When:Throughout Recovery Where:Family Home
- 14
Clemence's Journey to Acceptance
Throughout this journey, Clemence begins to understand and accept her mental health condition. As she learns to manage her bipolar disorder, she gains insight into her past and the importance of seeking help.
When:End of Summary
Who Are the Main Characters in The Year Between?
4 characters, among them Clemence Miller, Don and Sherri: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- CM
Clemence Miller
Played by Alex Heller
Clemence is a college student grappling with the complexities of her mental health, particularly bipolar disorder. Her impulsive behavior leads to significant challenges in her relationships and academic life. As she confronts these issues, her development throughout the film reflects her struggle to find stability and acceptance within herself and her family.
- 💔 Struggle
- 🌟 Resilience
- 💼 Growth
-
Don
Played by Steve Buscemi
Don, Clemence's father, is portrayed as a supportive yet optimistic presence in her life. As a local schoolteacher, he attempts to maintain a positive outlook despite the family's challenges. His character offers a balance of hope and realism, as he navigates his concerns for Clemence while trying to inspire his children.
- 👨🏫 Teacher
- 💪 Supporter
- 😊 Optimism
- S
Sherri
Played by J. Smith-Cameron
Sherri is Clemence's mother, who runs a local craft store. As a concerned parent, she embodies love and care while grappling with her daughter's mental health challenges. Her commitment to her daughter's well-being highlights the theme of familial support, showcasing both her fears and determination to help Clemence.
- 🛍️ Craft Store Owner
- ❤️ Caring
- 🤔 Concerned
-
Beth
Played by Kyanna Simone
Beth is a coworker at the thrift store where Clemence works part-time. She becomes a crucial part of Clemence's support system, helping to foster a sense of stability in her life. Their budding friendship illustrates the importance of social connections in the recovery process.
- 🤝 Friendship
- 🌈 Support
- 💖 Kindness
Where and When Is The Year Between Set?
The Year Between is set in Clemence's childhood home, local craft store and thrift store. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern challenges faced by college students. Themes of mental health awareness, familial relationships, and the struggles of adolescence are prevalent, speaking to a society increasingly acknowledging these issues.
Where
Clemence's childhood home, local craft store, thrift store
The movie predominantly takes place in Clemence's childhood home, which she finds transformed into an office, emphasizing her feelings of displacement. The local craft store, owned by her mother Sherri, represents a familiar yet complicated connection to her past. Additionally, the nearby thrift store serves as a new environment for Clemence to explore responsibilities and foster new relationships.
- 🏠 Home
- 🛍️ Craft Store
- 🏪 Thrift Store
What Are the Themes of The Year Between?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Mental Health, Family Dynamics and Growth.
-
01
Mental Health
The film delves deeply into the theme of mental health, particularly through Clemence's battle with bipolar disorder. It highlights the importance of understanding and supporting individuals facing such challenges. The narrative emphasizes the stigma and fear surrounding mental health issues while portraying the path to acceptance and recovery.
-
02
Family Dynamics
Family plays a crucial role in Clemence's journey as they navigate their complex feelings towards her mental health struggles. The conflicts and bonds among her family members illustrate the impact of mental health on loved ones, showcasing both support and fear. This theme reflects the blend of hope and tension that often exists within families facing similar issues.
-
03
Growth
Clemence's journey is marked by growth and self-discovery as she learns to navigate her mental health struggles. While the road is fraught with setbacks, her experiences highlight the importance of resilience. The interactions with friends and family serve as catalysts for her development, underscoring the potential for change and improvement.
What Kind of Film Is The Year Between?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A somber and introspective drama that follows a young woman's challenging journey of self-discovery and recovery after a bipolar diagnosis, set against a backdrop of strained but supportive family dynamics.
- introspective
- somber
- anxious
- hopeful
- uncomfortable
- relatable
- mental health
- family dynamics
- bipolar disorder
- coming of age
Content notes: mental health crisis, psychiatric hospitalization.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Year Between? Test yourself on the story.
