The In Between

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.