The In Between (2022) – A Love That Transcends Life and Death
In a cinematic landscape filled with loud blockbusters and high-stakes thrillers, The In Between emerges as a tender, emotional story that explores love, grief, and the possibility of connection beyond death. Released on Paramount+ in 2022 and directed by Arie Posin, this romantic sci-fi drama tugs at the heartstrings while offering a unique take on the afterlife. Starring Joey King and Kyle Allen in the lead roles, The In Between asks a hauntingly beautiful question: What if love doesn’t end when someone dies?
A Love Story with a Paranormal Twist
At its core, The In Between is a story about young love interrupted by tragedy. Tessa (played by Joey King) is a high school senior and a passionate photographer who feels like a loner — someone who doesn’t quite fit into the mold of normal teenage life. She’s guarded, smart, and carries emotional baggage from being abandoned by her biological mother and growing up in foster care.
Then she meets Skylar (Kyle Allen), a charming, intelligent, and sensitive boy who seems to be her complete opposite. While she sees life through a lens — literally and figuratively — Skylar is more open, idealistic, and willing to embrace love. The chemistry between them is instant and magnetic. Their love story is sweet, slow-burning, and incredibly genuine. It doesn't rely on cliché rom-com tropes but rather builds organically, making their bond all the more believable and heart-wrenching.
Just as their romance starts to blossom, tragedy strikes. Skylar dies in a car accident, while Tessa, who was also in the crash, survives. What follows is not just a journey of grief, but of hope, as Tessa starts to believe that Skylar is trying to reach out to her from the in-between — the liminal space between life and the afterlife.
What Is “The In Between”?
The film’s central concept — “the in-between” — is drawn from various spiritual and metaphysical theories that suggest a soul doesn't always immediately move on after death. Instead, it lingers, especially if there are unresolved emotions or strong connections left behind. In The In Between, this concept is more romantic than religious. Skylar’s spirit, fueled by love, tries to communicate with Tessa, and she becomes obsessed with finding ways to reconnect with him.
Through signs, dreams, and technological glitches (like photos appearing mysteriously or song lyrics playing at the right time), Tessa becomes convinced that Skylar is not truly gone. She teams up with a friend, Shannon (Celeste O’Connor), who introduces her to ideas about near-death experiences and spiritual communication. This gives the film a soft sci-fi edge, blending paranormal elements with emotional realism.
Themes That Resonate
1. Love and Loss
At its heart, The In Between is a meditation on love — not just romantic love, but also the love that teaches us how to live, how to grieve, and how to heal. Tessa and Skylar’s relationship is portrayed with sincerity and vulnerability. Their love story isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes it powerful. They argue, they misunderstand each other, but ultimately, they grow together. And when Skylar is gone, Tessa must learn that true love sometimes means letting go.
2. Grief and Healing
The film’s portrayal of grief is raw and personal. Tessa doesn't cry in dramatic outbursts; instead, her grief is quiet and slow, the kind that seeps into your everyday moments and makes you question everything. Joey King delivers a deeply emotional performance, especially as she navigates the blurry lines between denial, hope, and acceptance.
3. Self-Discovery
Tessa’s journey is also one of self-discovery. In the beginning, she is emotionally closed off, unwilling to open herself up to others or even believe she’s worthy of love. But through her connection with Skylar — and even more so after his death — she begins to understand herself. Photography becomes her way of connecting with the world, and her search for Skylar becomes symbolic of her search for meaning and belonging.
Joey King Shines
Joey King carries the emotional weight of the film with grace and depth. Known previously for her roles in The Kissing Booth series and The Act, King shows a more mature, nuanced side here. She captures Tessa’s loneliness, stubbornness, and eventual transformation with authenticity. Her chemistry with Kyle Allen is palpable, and their scenes together are filled with warmth and sincerity.
Kyle Allen also delivers a heartfelt performance as Skylar. He’s the perfect counterbalance to Tessa — optimistic, open, and grounded. His presence lingers throughout the film even after his character’s death, which is a testament to how well his performance resonates with the audience.
Visual Storytelling and Direction
The cinematography in The In Between deserves special mention. The film makes smart use of light, shadow, and color to reflect Tessa’s emotional state. Soft focus and dreamy visuals are used in flashbacks and visions of Skylar, creating a surreal and otherworldly tone. The use of photography as a metaphor — capturing moments, preserving memories, and framing perspectives — ties beautifully into the film’s theme of memory and love.
Arie Posin’s direction avoids making the story overly sentimental. While it is undeniably emotional, the film never feels manipulative. It respects the audience’s intelligence and emotional capacity. The pacing is slow but deliberate, allowing the viewer to sink into the atmosphere and truly feel every moment.
How It Stands Out in the Genre
The In Between stands out in the crowded genre of teen romance and supernatural drama for its emotional honesty and grounded storytelling. It doesn’t rely on cheap scares or melodramatic twists. Instead, it builds an intimate narrative around loss and the desire to hold on to someone you love, even when logic and reality say you must let go.
It joins the ranks of films like If I Stay, Ghost, and The Fault in Our Stars — movies that explore the fragility of life and the enduring power of love. However, it brings its own flavor, thanks to a modern-day setting, subtle use of technology (like phone cameras and music apps), and a more introspective tone.
Final Thoughts
The In Between is a film that doesn’t scream for attention — it whispers, it lingers, and it stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s not just a love story. It’s a story about what it means to love, lose, and live again. Whether you believe in the afterlife or not, the film’s message is universal: some connections are so powerful that not even death can sever them.
If you're a fan of emotional dramas, if you believe in the kind of love that goes beyond logic, or if you’ve ever experienced the pain of losing someone close — The In Between is worth your time. Prepare some tissues and allow yourself to be moved by a story that’s as much about healing as it is about holding on.
Have you watched The In Between? What did you think about it? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more movie reviews and emotional deep dives.
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