A 17 year old finds out that his girlfriend is dying, so he sets out to give her an entire life, in the last year she has left.
Get a spoiler-free look at Life in a Year (2020) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a world where the pressures of family expectations clash with the restless dreams of youth, Daryn navigates the uneasy bridge between his father’s ambitious vision and his own yearning for authenticity. Raised under the watchful eye of his father Xavier, a man whose definition of success centers on elite education and disciplined achievement, Daryn feels the weight of an unspoken contract: excel, conform, and honor the family name. The backdrop of suburban life, punctuated by fleeting encounters at music venues and the promise of a brighter future, sets a tone that is simultaneously hopeful and fraught with quiet tension.
When a chance meeting introduces Isabelle, a magnetic presence whose own aspirations pulse with creativity and resilience, Daryn is drawn into a whirlwind of first love that feels both exhilarating and transformative. Their connection sparks a shared passion for music, art, and the idea of seizing the present, offering Daryn a lens through which he can view his world beyond his father’s prescriptions. The film’s mood balances the tender intimacy of youthful romance with an undercurrent of urgency, hinting at the delicate fragility that shadows their burgeoning relationship.
As the pair grapple with the reality that Isabelle’s time may be limited, the narrative explores how love can become a catalyst for redefining priorities and reshaping identities. The story invites viewers into an emotionally resonant space where the protagonists confront the pull of familial duty, personal ambition, and the desire to craft a meaningful life on their own terms. Against the vibrant yet fleeting backdrop of a single year, the film weaves together themes of sacrifice, creative expression, and the bittersweet beauty of living fully in the moment.
Last Updated: October 11, 2025 at 19:37
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Love stories intensified by a looming deadline and the certainty of loss.If you liked the heartfelt journey in Life in a Year, explore more movies like it. These similar films feature emotional stories where characters face a terminal deadline, blending deep romance with the urgency of living life to its fullest against impending loss.
The narrative follows a predictable but emotionally potent arc: a life-altering diagnosis or deadline sets a clear countdown. The protagonists then embark on a quest to fulfill dreams, mend relationships, and experience profound love, all while navigating the deteriorating health or circumstances of one character. The focus is on the beauty found in the finite, rather than on a cure or reversal of fate.
Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared core structure—a love story defined by its expiration date. They consistently deliver a bittersweet tone, balancing uplifting moments of connection with the heavy weight of inevitable sorrow, making for a deeply moving and cathartic viewing experience.
Stories where a profound connection fundamentally changes a character's life path.Find more emotional dramas similar to Life in a Year. These films focus on powerful, life-changing relationships that help a character overcome personal struggles, find their purpose, and carry a hopeful legacy forward, even after a tragic loss.
The narrative often begins with a protagonist who is lost, disillusioned, or constrained by their circumstances. They meet someone who sees their potential and inspires them to change. This relationship, which may end in separation or loss, leaves a permanent, positive imprint. The protagonist's journey concludes not with the relationship itself, but with them embracing a new, more authentic life shaped by that love.
These movies are united by the theme of love as a transformative force. They share a focus on character evolution, the bittersweet beauty of impactful but finite connections, and endings that are hopeful for one character's future, even if saddened by loss.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Life in a Year in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Life in a Year is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Life in a Year, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Life in a Year with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Life in a Year. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Life in a Year: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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