The Year Between

Writer/director Alex Heller pulls off a dazzling tonal high-wire act for her directorial debut.

This lived-in quality to the filmmaking supports equally relaxed performances from both veteran and emerging actors, making for an even-keeled and easy viewing experience.

Achieves a degree of poignancy and depth within a distinctive sensibility you might call Midwestern Sardonic.

It’s why The Year Between fails in making a statement on comedy and mental illness: it’s simply too all over the place.

For a debut film The Year Between is a gem, but beyond the fact it is Heller’s first feature, the movie stands on its own as an accomplished piece about how infuriating it can be to be mentally ill.

A thoughtful examination on mental health that feels personal and compassionate. Not to mention the fact that the writer/director/star makes it relatable & real with a lot of sardonic, dry humor that culminates in a genuine portrayal of healing and growth

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...

The dark humor is more effective than the earnest family bonding, although Heller's genuine love and gratitude eventually shine through.

It's hard to describe bi-polar disorder, but writer/director/actor Alex Heller manages to make it a story, her story, in a comedy. Steve Buscemi is a stand out in his dry wit, and giving the story some lunacy , therefore normalcy, is a great achievement.

With impressive performances from Alex Heller and the fantastic supporting cast, The Year Between is a movie that will crack viewers up at the same time that it will help them learn a little bit about bipolar.