The In Between (2022) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place in a picturesque coastal town known for its scenic beauty. Key locations include the abandoned Empyrean hotel, which serves as an emotionally significant backdrop representing lost dreams and memories, and Rhode Island, which represents Tessa's aspirational goal for her artistic studies at the Rhode Island School of Design.

• coastal town
• empyrean hotel
• rhode island
• setting
• location

The movie uses a non-linear timeline, beginning 182 days before the tragic accident and weaving between past and present. Flashbacks show key moments including Tessa's decision to apply to art school and the development of her relationship with Skylar, highlighting how memories shape identity.

• timeline
• flashback
• 182 days
• present
• past

The central theme is love and loss, exploring how a deep connection can transcend life and death. Tessa's journey after the accident shows the emotional turmoil of grieving while holding onto unresolved feelings, ultimately suggesting that love endures even when physical presence is lost.

• love
• loss
• grief
• death
• transcendence
• theme

Photography serves as Tessa's primary creative outlet and form of emotional expression throughout the film. Her passion for capturing moments reflects her desire to understand the world and preserve meaningful connections. Her aspiration to attend the Rhode Island School of Design represents her pursuit of artistic passion as a path to self-discovery.

• photography
• art
• creativity
• rhode island school of design
• expression

Spirituality is a key theme, centering on 'The In Between,' a concept representing a space for unresolved connections after death. Tessa's experiences attempting to communicate with Skylar's spirit explore the belief that souls remain connected through shared destinies, offering comfort that love can transcend physical separation.

• spirit
• supernatural
• the in between
• afterlife
• connection
• spirituality

Tessa, played by Joey King, is an introspective and passionate young woman who processes her emotions through photography. She navigates the complexities of falling in love with Skylar and then coping with devastating loss, struggling to express herself while yearning for connection that transcends death.

• tessa
• joey king
• protagonist
• photographer
• grief

Skylar, played by Kyle Allen, is a romantic and caring figure who brings light into Tessa's life and encourages her artistic talents. His journey takes a tragic turn, but his spirit continues to influence Tessa, demonstrating how love can have an enduring impact beyond physical presence.

• skylar
• kyle allen
• love interest
• romance
• death
• spirit

Shannon, played by Celeste O'Connor, is Tessa's loyal best friend who provides essential support during the emotional chaos following Skylar's accident. Her unwavering encouragement helps Tessa navigate grief while pushing her to confront her feelings, embodying the importance of friendship during crisis.

• shannon
• celeste o'connor
• friend
• support
• friendship

Doris, played by Donna Biscoe, is a wise figure who authored the book 'The In Between' and serves as a spiritual guide for Tessa. She encourages Tessa to seek closure and connection with Skylar's spirit, acting as a catalyst for Tessa's journey toward understanding grief and supernatural connection.

• doris
• donna biscoe
• the in between book
• guidance
• wisdom
• mentor

The abandoned Empyrean hotel serves as a poignant backdrop for key emotional moments between Tessa and Skylar. It represents lost dreams and fading memories, becoming a symbol of what once was and what has been left behind after tragedy strikes.

• empyrean hotel
• abandoned
• setting
• symbolism
• memories

The film carries a predominantly melancholic tone centered on themes of loss and longing, though it is balanced by romantic and hopeful elements. The pacing varies between high-impact emotional moments and slower reflective scenes, creating a bittersweet atmosphere that explores grief while maintaining a sense of spiritual hope.

• tone
• mood
• melancholic
• bittersweet
• emotional
• grief