But as Before Sunset (2004) shows us, they didn’t rekindle the next winter, instead meeting again in Paris nine years on, when writer Jesse is touring his first book, based on the fleeting romance. After watching the pair spend a day drifting through the romantic city, the audience is left hanging, not knowing whether Jesse will get on his impending flight back to the US or the relationship will be taken further.

Almost 20 years on from the first film, the actors have reunited for Before Midnight, with the film this time set in Greece. Audience members who have grown up with the series will relate to this latest piece of the tale the most, while younger audiences may prefer the fleeting romantic meeting in Paris of Before Sunset. The trilogy is directed by Richard Linklater, whose signature style of setting an entire film within a 24-hour period threads throughout all three films. Removing the aspect of long stretches of time passing, the films expose audiences to the nuances of the everyday, with Before Midnight delving into powerful perspectives on love, marriage and long-term commitment.

Before Midnight opens in cinemas on Thursday July 18.