Directed by
Hannah Fidell
Made by
Orchard, The
In a tumultuous romance, Melanie Clark (Taissa Farmiga) and Daniel Mercer find themselves caught in the embrace of their passionate relationship. However, the bliss they once enjoyed begins to dissolve after an exhilarating night at a house party takes an unforeseen twist. Following an evening fueled by alcohol, Mel shows up uninvited at Dan’s doorstep, where he responds with a firm reprimand, intent on keeping her from leaving. As tensions rise, a fateful altercation occurs, resulting in Dan sustaining a serious head injury, which he chooses to minimize, protecting Mel from the potential consequences.
As Dan navigates his internship at Topo Records, the complexity of their circumstances intensifies when Amanda appears, noticing the signs of his injury with a raised eyebrow. Concurrently, Melanie embarks on her journey as a teaching assistant, mentored by Ms. Anders. During a girls’ night in, her friends dive into the topic of keeping their romance alive, while Jessica amusingly proposes an unconventional method. Unbeknownst to Dan, he is about to stumble upon Mel engaging in a rather unexpected venture.
Underneath the smoldering tensions, Dan’s mother, Joanne (portrayed by an unknown actress), drops a significant revelation over lunch: she and Dan’s father are prepared to cover his rent should he decide to pursue a career opportunity in New York City. This news only adds fuel to the fire, straining their already unstable relationship. Later, at a pool party thrown by Mark, the ambiance is electric until an impulsive decision leads Dan to kiss Amanda, which he quickly frames as a commitment to keeping things platonic.
The following morning, Dan’s visit to Mel’s home reveals a sense of emotional disarray. When she borrows his phone later that evening at another party, discovering Amanda’s texts regarding their encounter, the fragile balance of their relationship shatters. A physical struggle erupts, with Dan trying to restrain Mel as frustration boils over. Law enforcement arrives, but Mel’s unwillingness to explain the situation results in Dan’s arrest instead. Upon his release the next day, he remains tight-lipped, effectively severing ties with Mel.
As the evening progresses, Dan is presented with a job offer at Topo Records’ new office in Brooklyn, inducing a brief celebration with Amanda at a nearby bar. However, the tone shifts when Amanda apologizes for her earlier text, and Dan confides that he and Mel are no longer together. Meanwhile, while attending a party, Mel crosses paths with Will, whom she later finds herself with in a precarious situation when Jessica and Will, both inebriated, drop Mel off at home, leaving her alone with Will. In a moment of danger, Will makes a move on her, but Mel instinctively defends herself.
Shaken by the incident, Mel seeks solace in Dan, sharing her turmoil as they support Mel’s mother in moving from her childhood home in Houston. Amid their visit, Dan engages in a heartfelt moment with his own mother, who urges him to chase the opportunity in New York, a suggestion that only intensifies tensions between him and Mel as she berates him for prioritizing his future over their relationship.
As their bond teeters on the edge, Dan’s night with Amanda serves as a poignant reminder of the sensitivity surrounding their connection. The morning after, Mel attempts to reconcile with Dan but unexpectedly finds herself in a confrontation with Amanda, escalating into a dramatic clash that leaves Mel rattled and Dan wounded.
In the wake of this turmoil, both Dan and Mel find themselves at the hospital, facing the stark reality of their relationship’s fragility. Between their yearning for one another and Dan’s growing awareness of his personal responsibilities, Mel begins to understand that her love for Dan might not be sufficient anymore. In a heart-wrenching finale, Dan struggles to confess his unwavering love, forcing Mel to confront the painful truth: the end of their six-year relationship may be unavoidable.
Introduction of the Couple
Melanie Clark and Daniel Mercer begin their passionate romance, characterized by youthful exuberance and intimacy. Their relationship is initially vibrant, filled with joy and the thrill of finding love in each other.
The House Party
An exhilarating night at a house party marks a turning point for Melanie and Daniel. Following the party, Melanie shows up uninvited at Daniel's doorstep, where he reprimands her, intensifying the tensions building between them.
The Altercation
During a confrontation at Daniel's home, an altercation occurs, resulting in Daniel sustaining a serious head injury. He chooses to downplay the injury to protect Melanie from the repercussions of their intense encounter.
Navigating Work Life
As Daniel begins his internship at Topo Records, he faces scrutiny from his colleague Amanda, who notices signs of his head injury. Meanwhile, Melanie starts her journey as a teaching assistant, navigating her own professional challenges.
Discussion Among Friends
During a girls' night in, Melanie's friends discuss ways to keep their relationships alive, revealing the pressures and expectations surrounding romance. These discussions highlight the fragility of Melanie and Daniel's relationship.
Joanne's Revelation
Over lunch, Daniel's mother Joanne reveals that she and Daniel's father are willing to cover his rent if he moves to New York for a job opportunity. This revelation heightens the already existing strain in Daniel and Melanie's relationship.
The Pool Party
At a vibrant pool party hosted by Mark, Daniel impulsively kisses Amanda. He attempts to justify the kiss as simply platonic, but the underlying tension between him and Melanie is palpable and increasing.
The Discovery
When Melanie borrows Daniel's phone and discovers text messages from Amanda about their kiss, it shatters the fragile stability of their relationship. The ensuing emotional fallout leads to a physical struggle between them.
The Arrest
As tensions escalate during their physical struggle, law enforcement arrives at the scene. Unwilling to explain her side, Melanie's silence leads to Daniel's arrest, further complicating their tumultuous relationship.
Job Offer Celebration
After his release, Daniel receives a job offer at Topo Records' new office in Brooklyn, which leads to a brief celebration with Amanda. However, Daniel's heartache over his relationship with Melanie looms over the celebration.
Melanie's New Encounter
While attending a party, Melanie encounters Will, who later makes an unwelcome advance on her after a night of drinking. She instinctively defends herself, but the situation leaves her shaken and vulnerable.
Confronting Their Past
Melanie seeks solace by reaching out to Daniel, sharing her distress after the incident with Will. They attempt to support each other while packing up her childhood home, revealing shared emotions and past grievances.
Moments of Reflection
During a heartfelt conversation, Daniel's mother encourages him to seize the New York job opportunity. This conversation intensifies Melanie's feelings of neglect, as she feels Daniel is prioritizing his future over their relationship.
Morning After Tension
After a night with Amanda, Daniel is confronted by Melanie, who is eager to reconcile. Their encounter escalates into a fierce conflict with Amanda, testing the limits of their emotional endurance.
Hospital Confrontation
Both Melanie and Daniel find themselves at the hospital, reconciling the fragility of their relationship. In the aftermath, they confront the realization that love alone may not be enough to sustain them, leading to an emotional and heart-wrenching conclusion.
Melanie Clark
Melanie is a passionate and emotionally complex character driven by her love for Dan. As she transitions into her role as a teaching assistant, she faces the challenges of maintaining her identity amidst personal upheavals. Her determination to seek connection and her struggle to balance love with her ambitions highlight her introspective nature.
Daniel Mercer
Daniel is depicted as a talented yet conflicted young man. His internship at Topo Records symbolizes his aspirations, yet his impulsive nature often leads him into tumultuous situations with Melanie. Dan's internal struggles with loyalty and ambition contribute to the tension in his relationship, showcasing his journey towards self-discovery.
Time period
The events of the movie are set in contemporary times, showcasing the challenges of young adulthood and romantic relationships in a modern context. As the characters navigate their internships and social dynamics, the pressures of career choices and personal responsibilities weigh heavily on their interactions.
Location
New York City, Brooklyn, Houston
The movie unfolds across several significant locations, including bustling New York City and the tranquil yet emotionally charged backdrop of Houston, Mel's childhood home. New York City represents ambition and the complexity of their relationship, while Houston is where Mel confronts her past. Brooklyn emerges as a symbol of new beginnings for Dan, contrasting with the turmoil of his romance.
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Love and Loss
The central theme revolves around love and the inevitable losses that accompany it. Dan and Mel's passionate relationship initially thrives but faces immense challenges as their personal ambitions clash. Their journey illustrates how love can endure but also how it can become insufficient when faced with life's harsh realities.
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Coming of Age
The film explores the theme of coming of age, as characters navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood. With internships, romantic entanglements, and familial expectations, Dan and Mel confront their identities and the choices that shape their futures. This journey reflects the struggles inherent in growing up and finding independence.
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Responsibility
The theme of personal responsibility looms large in the narrative. Dan's decision to accept a job offer in New York represents a pivotal moment where he must weigh his ambitions against his relationship. Both characters are forced to confront their responsibilities towards themselves and each other, ultimately leading to profound realizations about love and life.
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