Eternal Sunshine follows a non-linear storyline, meaning the scenes are not in chronological order. In this article, we will chronologically summarize what happened in Eternal Sunshine and make it easy to follow.
Summary in Chronological Order
Early 2002 – First Time Joel and Clementine Met
Joel and Clementine meet for the first time at Rob and Carrie’s beach house party.
Joel and His Ex Naomi: Around this period, Joel used to live with Naomi, but they drifted apart. Naomi calls Joel, and they sleep together for one night. However, Joel isn’t happy with Naomi and doesn’t want to restart their relationship.
Back to the party: Joel sees Clementine in an orange sweatshirt and with green hair. They feel an instant spark and enter a nearby empty beach house, though Joel chickens out eventually. Rob and Carrie learn about Clementine that night through Joel.
They meet in Montauk for the first time. This is why the place is so special to them.
Mid 2002 to Mid 2003 – Best Times Together
Joel and Clementine have the best time during this period. They make memories on the frozen Charles River, which Clementine calls “Honeymoon on Ice.” Clementine shows her vulnerability, sharing childhood memories, and they deeply connect.
Late 2003 to Early 2004 – Relationship Fading Away
This is when their relationship takes a turn. They start noticing their differences. Clementine wants a baby, but Joel feels she isn’t ready for it. Clementine feels Joel doesn’t share much, believing that sharing is an integral part of a relationship. Joel becomes annoyed with Clementine’s drinking problem, late-night entries, and impulsive behavior.
Early 2004 – Breakup
In early 2004, Clementine breaks up with Joel after days of fighting. One night, a drunk Clementine comes home late, and they have an ugly fight.
After the breakup, Clementine dyes her hair blue, calling it “blue ruin.”
January 2004 – Clementine Erases Joel from Her Memory
Clementine impulsively erases Joel’s memory at Lacuna Clinic.
Late January to February 14th, 2004 – Patrick Seduces Clementine
Patrick, the technician from Lacuna, seduces Clementine using Joel’s identity.
12th Jan, 2004 – Joel learns about Clementine’s erasure through Rob and gets a letter.
13th Jan, 2004 – After learning about Clementine’s erasure, Joel erases Clementine’s memory.
14th Jan, 2004 – Clementine (with blue hair) and Joel meet again at Montauk, both with erased memories (the day of the first scene).
15th Jan, 2004 – Honeymoon on Ice after the erasure (second time).
16th Jan morning, 2004 – They learn about the erasure.
16th Jan, 2004 – They decide to give themselves another chance, even after knowing everything that has happened (the last scene).
What does Clementine’s Hair Tell Us?
• Green Revolution – When Joel and Clem met for the first time
• Red in Love – Most beautiful time together
• Agent Orange – Relationship is fading
• Blue Ruin – After breaking up with Joel
Just remember what Clementine’s hair color tells us about their relationship and watch the movie carefully. The non-linear, complex storyline will feel a lot easier then.
Summary: Joel and Clementine fall in love. After two years, Clementine breaks up with Joel and erases his memory through a medical procedure. Upon learning this, Joel erases her memory as well. After the erasure, they meet again and unknowingly fall in love all over again. Eventually, they give themselves another chance.
In another blog, we have explained this movie in detail. You can also find our review here.
