Character Relationship Map: Between Us

Characters

• Dianne (played by Olivia Thirlby) — protagonist

  Dianne has lived with Henry for more than six years, but their routine relationship faces pressure to deepen. She considers apartments and engagement, then impulsively marries him. After Robert kisses...

• Henry (played by Ben Feldman) — supporting

  Henry is Dianne's long-term partner, living with her while resisting the idea of buying a new apartment or advancing their commitment. He meets Veronica through his film work, parties with her after t...

• Veronica (played by Lio Tipton) — supporting

  Veronica meets Henry at a screening of a film he worked on and suggests music is needed, inviting him to see her band perform. At the gig, she parties with Henry and others through the night and propo...

• Liam (played by Adam Goldberg) — supporting

  Liam is a performer in an alternative theatrical piece watched by Dianne, Robert, and Nadia. He spends the night talking and drinking with Dianne, then has sex with her at her apartment. Although Dian...

• Robert (played by Scott Haze) — supporting

  Robert is connected to a website for which Dianne's company is organizing a publicity event. While driving with Dianne to Long Beach, he makes a pass and kisses her despite her explanation that she is...

• Nadia (played by Alison Sudol) — supporting

  Nadia accompanies Robert when he comes for Dianne after Dianne calls him, driving the car they had previously taken. She is also present with Robert and Dianne at an alternative theatrical performance...

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Robert → Nadia (Romantic Companions) — Nadia is presented as Robert's companion during the aftermath of Dianne's distress.

  Robert comes for Dianne in the car they previously took, driven by Nadia, who is clearly with him.

• Dianne → Liam (Romantic One-Night Partners) — Their brief sexual encounter exposes Dianne's attempt to escape the marital crisis.

  Dianne and Liam spend the night talking and drinking, go to her home, and have sex.

• Henry → Veronica (Professional Creative Acquaintances) — Their initial connection is based on Henry's film and Veronica's musical perspective.

  Henry meets Veronica at a screening of a film he has been working on, and she comments that it needs music.

• Dianne → Robert (Professional Contact) — Their professional connection creates the setting for a personal boundary violation.

  Dianne meets Robert through work because her company is organizing a publicity event for his website.

• Dianne → Henry (Romantic Long-Term Partners) — They are the long-term central couple whose relationship drives the film.

  Dianne and Henry have lived together as a couple for over six years.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Henry → Liam (Conflict Physical Adversaries) — Liam becomes the immediate physical focus of Henry's rage and humiliation.

  When Henry finds Liam at home, he tries to fight him, but Liam pins him to the floor.

Story Analysis

A long-term couple tests the limits of commitment, fidelity, and emotional dependence before returning to an unresolved bond.

Plot Progression

1. Routine Under Pressure — Dianne and Henry have lived together for years, but family pressure and apartment shopping expose their uncertainty about commitment. Dianne appears more open to marriage while Henry remains resistant...
2. Strangers At The Edges — Henry meets Veronica through his film, while Dianne meets Robert through work. Robert's unwanted kiss creates a breach that neither partner can easily contain.
3. A Wedding Without Certainty — Dianne and Henry impulsively marry at city hall, but their celebration quickly collapses into tears. The wedding intensifies rather than resolves their doubts.
4. Parallel Escapes — After arguing, Dianne turns toward Robert and Liam while Henry enters Veronica's reckless social world. Both partners seek temporary escape from the marriage.
5. The Apartment Collision — Henry returns home and finds Liam still with Dianne, leading to a physical fight and a false claim about the relationship being over. The final confrontation between Dianne and Henry ends in an embrac...