Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense drama about mental illness has language, sex, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Year Between
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE YEAR BETWEEN is an affecting drama about Clemence (Alex Heller), who drops out of college after a mental episode. She learns that she has bipolar disorder and, over the course of her year out of school, she faces the realities of her illness, as well as the consequences of her actions. Her family -- including parents Don (Steve Buscemi) and Sherri (J. Smith-Cameron) and siblings Neil (Wyatt Oleff) and Carlin (Emily Robinson) -- also grow as they develop more awareness about Clemence's illness.
Is It Any Good?
This drama is likely to be especially appreciated -- and intimately understood -- by those who live with mild to severe mental illness. While some of Clemence's actions are specific to bipolar disorder, her actions and emotions are deeply relatable. Also relatable are her family's initial unaware responses to her illness. At first, their misunderstanding and harsh comments may make them seem unlikable, but these same aspects make them relatable examples of how family members can act when they don't understand everything about a relative's illness. But eventually their love for Clemence compels them to learn more about her illness, and watching them learn how to support her is heartwarming.
Also relatable and heartwarming is seeing Clemence grow emotionally, eventually realizing that she has to put her self-centeredness aside and provide space for her family and the tribulations they're going through. Overall, The Year Between is a great watch for families who want to learn more about living with mental illness. It could be mildly triggering for some, especially if they have bipolar disorder, but on the whole, the film offers a lived-in look at what it's like to cope with an often misunderstood disorder.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about mental illness. How does Clemence react when she's diagnosed with bipolar disorder in The Year Between?
How does Clemence's family react to her diagnosis? How do they grow as a family?
In what ways do characters in the movie exhibit ableism? Do you think the film provides a realistic take on living with mental illness?
What are some of the issues Clemence struggles with as she works on gaining control over her illness? What character strengths does she demonstrate?
How does the movie portray suicidal ideation? What should you do if you're worried about a friend or family member? What resources are available to help both kids and adults? (If you or someone you love is in crisis, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.)
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 3, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : March 3, 2023
- Cast : Alex Heller , Steve Buscemi , J. Smith-Cameron
- Director : Alex Heller
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Gravitas Ventures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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