In a key sequence in the second Trilogy feature (Before Sunset, 2004), Jesse expresses a fear that he'll "dissolve into molecules" if someone embraces him. Later in the film--or, rather, following its close--Celine does just that and, naturally, Jesse remains intact. Moreover, and importantly, their relationship takes a decisive step toward realization. The film may not show the couple embrace and then make love, but the audience will soon learn that they in fact procreate, producing the twin girls who appear in the opening of the next and final (thus far) installment of the series, Before Midnight (2013). Here, Lurie examines cinephilia, loss, and medial integrity in Richard Linklater's Before trilogy.