All the Bright Places 2020

In the midst of a seemingly idyllic small town in Indiana, two teenagers, Theodore Finch (character) and Violet Markey, exist in states of quiet desperation. Violet is grappling with the weight of survivor’s guilt nine months after the tragic car accident that claimed the life of her sister Eleanor; meanwhile, Finch navigates his days as an outsider, dubbed a “freak” by his peers.

Their paths converge on the bridge where Eleanor met her untimely demise. On what would have been Eleanor’s 19th birthday, Violet finds herself drawn to the very edge of existence, only to be coaxed back from the precipice by Finch, who just happens to be out for a run and notices her precarious perch. As they stand together, the air is thick with unspoken understanding.

Finch takes it upon himself to form an unlikely partnership with Violet for a school project that requires them to explore the Hoosier State. He delves deep into her digital presence, researching Eleanor’s car accident, poring over Violet’s old writing, and engaging in online conversations. This foray into mutual discovery sets the stage for their odyssey across Indiana, as they pedal their way through rolling hills and scenic vistas.

However, when faced with a miniature roller coaster that lies just beyond their biking capabilities, Violet is persuaded to climb aboard Finch’s car, marking her first vehicular journey since Eleanor’s passing. As they navigate the twists and turns of their emotional journeys, Finch gently coaxes Violet back into writing, allowing her to confront the pain of her loss in a way she had previously been unable to do.

As their bond deepens, Violet begins to notice Finch’s enigmatic behavior, his periodic disappearances that leave her wondering. It isn’t until they’re floating on the tranquil surface of the Blue Hole that Finch vanishes beneath the water, only to resurface with a haunting revelation: he has been hiding the scars of physical abuse at the hands of his father, who would periodically slip into dark moods and threaten self-destruction.

The weight of this secret is compounded by their accidental all-nighter, which sends Violet’s parents into a tailspin. At school, Finch’s temper boils over when confronted with his nickname “freak” by Violet’s ex-boyfriend, leading to a heated altercation that ends with Finch’s abrupt departure in his car. Violet, meanwhile, finds herself entangled in the principal’s office, where she is met with words of wisdom from Finch’s closest friend, Charlie, who offers her a glimpse into the enigmatic Theodore Finch.

As Finch reluctantly attends a support group session, courtesy of the school guidance counselor, he struggles to articulate his inner turmoil, leaving him feeling unfulfilled. His visit to the local bar, where sister Kate (Kate) tends the counter, only serves to stir up unresolved emotions. The conversation turns to their troubled father, prompting Kate to pose the poignant question: could he have been helped? Her dismissive response, “I don’t care,” followed by a declaration that their father is no longer her problem, leaves Finch disheartened and feeling unheard. Disappointed, he departs for his family home, where Violet awaits. As she probes him about the post-it notes scattered throughout the space, Finch obliquely alludes to his struggles with “dark moods” – a symptom of his inability to stay vigilant. His frustration reaches a boiling point, and in a moment of despair, he demands that Violet leave.

Finch’s disappearance becomes his latest enigmatic move. In accordance with his father’s advice, Violet embarks on a journey to revisit the places they had shared together, ultimately leading her to the Blue Hole. There, she discovers Finch’s abandoned clothes and phone, and through a process of deduction, correctly infers that he has succumbed to the darkness, taking his own life. Weeks later, Violet attends his somber funeral, where she is forced to confront the devastating reality.

As she begins the arduous process of healing from the profound loss, Violet stumbles upon the map they had used during their travels across Indiana – a poignant reminder of happier times. Her attention is drawn to the red marker notation, designating the Travelers’ Prayers Chapel as their final destination together. This sacred space, a refuge for travelers and a sanctuary for mourners, holds a special significance. Upon inspecting the guest book, she discovers Finch’s signature, serving as a poignant reminder of his presence – both in life and in death.