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" After " opens with some narration about how certain moments in life seem to define a person, and from there, the clichés pretty much don't stop. If there's a defining moment in the life of Tessa Young ( Josephine Langford ), it's either meeting, initially being annoyed by, falling in love with, being heart-broken by, or reuniting with Hardin Scott ( Hero Fiennes Tiffin ).

She's a naïve, inexperienced young woman from the suburbs. He's a guy with a bad-boy attitude and image, who's really just a wounded softy beneath his declarations that love doesn't exist, his occasional outbursts of violence, and a body that's covered in some—let's say—eclectic tattoos. There's a row of what appear to be guinea pigs wearing sunglasses on his forearm. Yes, the romance between these two characters is such that it's all too easy to be distracted by a tattoo.

The movie is adapted from the first book in Anna Todd's series of novels, which might explain why nothing here seems to be on the life-defining level promised by the opening voice-over. Like the most recently popular series of such movie adaptations, there isn't so much an isolated story as there are about three major events, culminating in a final promise that future installments will provide us with something more.

Unlike a couple of the more popular examples of such wheel-spinning romances, there are neither supernatural creatures nor any scenes of kinky sex. The most we get here is a lot of sleepy actors, who perhaps could be mistaken for the undead in certain scenes, and some very polite foreplay.

The story has Tessa going off to college, accompanied by her mother Carol ( Selma Blair ) and her still-in-high-school boyfriend Noah ( Dylan Arnold ), who behaves more like a brother to Tessa, until he gives her a quick peck on the lips as a most underwhelming farewell. When that's the most a soon-to-be-dumped boyfriend can offer, the muted sensuality of her romance with Hardin does seem like a big step up.

Those two, by the way, meet when he's sitting in Tessa's dorm room, refusing to leave, after she gets out of the shower. They later get into a debate about Pride and Prejudice , in which their bickering is supposed to remind us of the famous couple from that novel. We know this because Susan McMartin's screenplay is explicit about the comparison, which is—let's say—a rather bold association.

The two eventually bond over their shared love of fiction books, with Tessa, running away from the prospect of kissing him during a game of Truth or Dare, being shocked to discover a copy of Wuthering Heights in Hardin's bedroom. They almost kiss then and there, but instead, their faces simply hover right next to each other. One probably could chart the progress of their relationship in terms of his face hovering over different parts of her body.

Things do escalate, or maybe they don't. It's difficult to tell if director Jenny Gage is simply restrained by the expectations of a young-adult romance, in which all of the sexy bits are implied, or if we're meant to take the scenes of sensuality at face value, in which case the couple basically undresses a little more with each encounter before cuddling. They do have sex, after the love-skeptical Hardin asks Tessa to move in with him, and there's an inevitable snag in the relationship shortly after, having to do with a couple of Hardin's drama-hungry friends. Much pouting follows.

If a good number of these observations seem to focus on the sex (or the probable lack thereof), it's only because nothing else in the movie rises to a similar level of interest—and definitely not to a level of such confused intrigue (save for some strange, plot-mandated choices on the part of a couple of side players, such as Tessa's mother all but disowning her daughter upon discovering the relationship). Tessa is left mostly as a blank slate, to move with the whims of the story and to react to Hardin's evolving outlook on her as a romantic interest. The performances are consistently monotone, and the dialogue is alternately treacly, in terms of romantic statements, and on-the-nose, in terms of giving Hardin a back story to explain his rebel act.

There's one moment in "After" when the two inevitable lovers dive underwater, and we're left with only the stillness and quiet of a lake. "It's beautiful, the silence," Hardin says upon emerging. You have no idea, kid.

Mark Dujsik

Mark Dujsik has been writing about film since 2001. He is the sole writer, editor, and publisher of Mark Reviews Movies. Mark was a staff writer/co-critic at UR Chicago Magazine from 2007 until the end of its print edition in 2008, has written reviews for various online publications, and currently contributes to Magill’s Cinema Annual.

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After (2019)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and some college partying.

106 minutes

Josephine Langford as Tessa Young

Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott

Selma Blair as Carol Young

Jennifer Beals as Karen Gibson

Peter Gallagher as Ken Scott

Writer (novel)

• Susan McMartin

Cinematographer

• Tom Betterton
• Adam Silver
• Michelle Harrison
• Justin Caine Burnett

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Josephine Langford (Tessa Young) Hero Fiennes Tiffin (Hardin Scott) Khadijha Red Thunder (Steph) Dylan Arnold (Noah) Shane Paul McGhie (Landon) Samuel Larsen (Zed) Inanna Sarkis (Molly) Selma Blair (Carol Young) Pia Mia (Tristan) Swen Temmel (Jace)

A young woman falls for a guy with a dark secret and the two embark on a rocky relationship. Based on the novel by Anna Todd.

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Common sense media reviewers.

Predictable college-set adaptation has partying, sex.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Peers, including friends and romantic partners, ca

Tessa stands up for herself in social situations,

Tessa and Hardin are shown in progressively more i

A use of "s--t," plus "hell," "damn." Mouthed but

One mention of The Gap.

College-age characters drink beer and hard liquor,

Parents need to know that After -- a college-set romance based on Anna Todd's best-selling novel -- deals frankly with sex. Despite a lack of actual nudity, several scenes feel very sexually explicit and include kissing, intimate touching, implied oral sex, and the loss of virginity. But the main characters …

Positive Messages

Peers, including friends and romantic partners, can be cruel to one another, but deeper relationships are shown to last. Teens can learn that being mean doesn't feel good. College is portrayed as a time of experimentation, self-discovery. Peer pressure -- to party, play drinking games, break rules, skip class, get a tattoo, etc. -- is seen as inevitable but surmountable. Characters show it's cool -- even attractive -- to read books.

Positive Role Models

Tessa stands up for herself in social situations, doesn't shy away from intellectual arguments in class. She insists that her mother trust her to make good decisions when she moves away to college. Families are mostly flawed or broken, forcing young adults to face lingering childhood scars, unrealistic parental expectations. Characters give each other second chances after they make hurtful mistakes. Tessa's female friends prove untrustworthy. Hardin, others drink to escape problems.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Tessa and Hardin are shown in progressively more intimate scenes: light to heavy kissing and touching, swimming/bathing together, implied oral sex, Tessa's first time having sex. Hardin confirms Tessa is sure before opening condom; focus is on Tessa's face. Two characters kiss, undress each other in bed, with Tessa awake in same dorm room. No characters shown in less than underwear. All sexual scenes are consensual.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

A use of "s--t," plus "hell," "damn." Mouthed but unspoken use of "f--k."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Drinking, drugs & smoking.

College-age characters drink beer and hard liquor, sometimes to point of getting drunk; they also smoke, vape. "Weed" is mentioned. Tessa is offered, even pressured to drink and smoke at parties. Tessa's roommate seems to party most weeknights; she hangs out with a rougher crowd. Hardin gets drunk, leaves trail of broken glass in his home when he feels jealous.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that After -- a college-set romance based on Anna Todd's best-selling novel -- deals frankly with sex. Despite a lack of actual nudity, several scenes feel very sexually explicit and include kissing, intimate touching, implied oral sex, and the loss of virginity. But the main characters (played by Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin) don't rush into sex despite their intense attraction, and all scenes are consensual. There's both same-sex and opposite-sex kissing. Parents are portrayed as struggling to overcome flaws themselves, including alcoholism and broken marriages. Partying, with alcohol and drugs, is depicted as a fact of college life. Infrequent swearing includes a use of "s--t." Teens may pick up positive messages about love and friendship, but they could also walk away with superficial notions of romance and college life. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (58)
• Kids say (160)

Based on 58 parent reviews

Good overall film

What's the story.

AFTER begins on the day that Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) is leaving home for college. Her mother, Carol (Selma Blair), is struggling to let go, especially when she meets her daughter's partying dorm roommate, but she's reassured because Tessa has always been responsible and hardworking. Tessa has also had the same boyfriend since she was a kid -- but that changes when she meets handsome, British-accented, poetry-reciting rebel Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). The pair are set up in a Truth or Dare challenge at a raucous college party where the straitlaced Tessa feels woefully out of place. They bond, and then spar over their readings of classic novels. The more Tessa falls for Hardin and starts letting go of her rules and exploring her own desire, the more her structured world begins falling apart.

Is It Any Good?

Despite a predictable storyline and clichéd romance, After works, thanks in large part to the heartfelt performance of its young star, Josephine Langford. As Tessa, Langford appears in almost every scene, and with the camera regularly close in on her face, she conveys a sincere mix of self-restraint and hunger for new experiences, confidence and fragility. She's a credible college first-year student, and we believe her and feel for her as a young woman falling in love for the first time. What comes off as less authentic is the story's Pride and Prejudice -inspired romance, based on the cult One Direction fan fiction published by author Anna Todd on the site Wattpad and later as a book series.

The tale requires that Hardin appear to be both Tessa's opposite -- brooding, experienced, and rebellious, despite his father's top university post and wealth -- and also her equally vulnerable soulmate. Tiffin has the budding charisma and looks (he is a Fiennes, after all) to play the romantic lead, but his character here is contrived mostly as a device for Tessa's evolution. After is likely to attract a heavily female audience, but it could struggle to find its market. More mature viewers might find it too formulaic, while parents may keep younger teens away because of the explicit content.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about whether After offers a realistic portrayal of college life, and what high schoolers can expect when they go to college themselves. What are you looking forward to? What makes you nervous? How do you think this compares to other movies about college?

For those who've read Todd's book, what did the film change about the characters, story, and setting? What's your opinion about those changes?

How did you feel when you found out Tessa's friends had deceived her? Have you ever experienced or done something similar? What were the consequences?

Tessa faces a lot of peer pressure. What are some strategies she uses to avoid doing things she doesn't feel comfortable with? How do you handle peer pressure?

How does the movie depict sex ? Is it different from how you've seen it portrayed in other movies? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

Movie Details

• In theaters : April 12, 2019
• On DVD or streaming : July 9, 2019
• Cast : Josephine Langford , Hero Fiennes Tiffin , Selma Blair
• Director : Jenny Gage
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Aviron Pictures
• Genre : Romance
• Topics : Book Characters
• Run time : 106 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG-13
• MPAA explanation : sexual content and some college partying
• Last updated : April 13, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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‘after’: film review.

Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin play young lovers in the screen adapation of Anna Todd's popular fan-fiction novel 'After.'

By Frank Scheck

Frank Scheck

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In case you haven’t guessed from the byline or the fact that this review is appearing in a prominent publication and not as a YouTube video, let me state the obvious: I am not a teenage girl.

That biological reality theoretically makes me less than qualified to review the screen adaptation of Anna Todd’s novel, part of a series of fan-fiction books inspired by the band One Direction, and its member Harry Styles in particular. But I feel confident that even if I were to be magically transformed into the target demographic, I would still find After to be a cliched, mediocre affair. Come back, Twilight , all is forgiven.

Release date: Apr 12, 2019

An appealing Josephine Langford ( Wish Upon , Wolf Creek ) plays the central role of Tessa, a fresh-faced teen who at the story’s beginning is starting her first year at college. She’s dropped off by her overprotective mom (Selma Blair), who’s horrified upon meeting her daughter’s exotic, nose-ring wearing roommate (Khadijha Red Thunder). Also on hand to say goodbye is Tessa’s boyfriend Noah (Dylan Arnold), who’s still in high school and whose affable, innocent demeanor instantly signifies that he won’t be in Tessa’s life, or the film, much longer.

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Sure enough, Tessa soon meets Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin, the nephew of Ralph and Joseph, looking like he’s stepped out of a Teen Vogue ad), a pouty-faced, leather jacket-wearing classmate who should have “Bad Boy” stamped on his forehead. Not that he’s your typical bad boy, though, since he seems to have very literary tastes. Spotting a book on Tessa’s shelf, he comments, “ The Great Gatsby , that’s a good book.” He’s also able to quote from Wuthering Heights and engage in a spirited classroom argument with Tessa, about Pride and Prejudice , in which the subtext is inescapable.

Connecting over a party game of Truth or Dare, Tessa and Hardin soon get hot and heavy, at least in a PG-13 kind of way. They go swimming in a secluded lake, each of them maintaining a degree of modesty, but with Hardin shedding enough clothes to indicate a serious tattoo fixation. He also, not surprisingly, turns out to be a sensitive soul after all, opening up to Tessa about a tragic event in his past that provides a psychological explanation for his affected alienation.

When the virginal Tessa finally decides that she’s ready to take things to another level, the resulting encounter seems to have been scripted for a university sexual assault prevention program. “I want you!” Tessa breathlessly declares. “Are you sure?” Hardin carefully asks. He doesn’t take any chances. “Do you want me to stop?” he queries, before ripping open a condom wrapper. (If After doesn’t do well in theaters, at least Betsy DeVos can screen it for Congress.)

A potentially juicy subplot involving Hardin’s strained relationship with his university chancellor father (Peter Gallagher) gets short shrift, not to mention makes us wonder why Hardin speaks with a British accent and his dad doesn’t. It does provide the opportunity for a brief appearance by the always luminous Jennifer Beals as the father’s new bride, making viewers of a certain age nostalgic for the days when Blair, Gallagher and Beals would have played the young leads in a movie such as this.

Only the most naive audience members will find the climactic revelation about Tessa and Hardin’s relationship shocking, and only they will swoon at the inevitable happy ending. The melodramatic goings-on are accompanied by the sort of pop music seemingly designed less for a film soundtrack than a Spotify playlist. Director Jenny Gage, whose previous teenage girl-themed documentary All This Panic provided useful training for this assignment, lends a suitably glossy sheen to the proceedings.

Early in the film, shortly after Hardin and Tessa meet, he inquires about her high school boyfriend Noah and she describes him as “nice.” “Isn’t that just another word for boring?” Hardin asks. If that’s indeed the case, then let’s just say that After is a nice movie.

Production: Voltage Pictures, CalMaple Media, Diamond Film Productions, OffSpring Entertainment, Frayed Pages Entertainment, Wattpad Distributor: Aviron Pictures Cast: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Inna Sarkis, Shane Paul McGhie, Pia Mia, Khadijha Red Thunder, Dylan Arnold, Samuel Larsen, Swen Temmel, Selma Blair, Peter Gallagher, Jennifer Beals, Meadow Williams Director: Jenny Gage Screenwriters: Susan McMartin, Tamar Chestna, Jenny Gage, Tom Betterton Producers: Jennifer Gibgot, Courtney Solomon, Mark Canton, Aron Levitz, Anna Todd, Meadow Williams, Dennis Pelino Executive producers: Swen Temmel, Adam Shankman, Brian Pitt, Scott Karol, Sarah Jorge Leon, Alastair Burlingham, Gary Raskin, Walliam Sadleir, David Dinerstein, Jason Resnick, Nicolas Chartier, Jonathan Deckter Directors of photography: Adam Silver, Tom Betterton Production designers: Lynne Mitchell, Rusty Smith Editor: Michelle Harrison Composer: Justin Brunett Costume designer: Alana Morshead

Rated PG-13, 106 minutes

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Movie Review – After (2019)

“After,” a romantic drama from Jenny Gage, was one of many intriguing and diverse movies that the year 2019 brought us. Based on the popular young adult novel of the same name by Anna Todd, the film follows the tumultuous love story of Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. While it may have flown under the radar for some, “After” is a movie worth revisiting and discussing.

A Classic Love Story with a Twist

“At its core, ‘After’ is a classic love story—a tale of opposites attracting, with a touch of the forbidden. Tessa Young (played by Josephine Langford) is the epitome of a good girl, an ambitious college freshman with a bright future ahead. Hardin Scott (played by Hero Fiennes-Tiffin), on the other hand, is the brooding and mysterious bad boy with a penchant for trouble. When their paths cross at college, sparks fly, and their lives are forever changed.

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What sets ‘After’ apart from other teen romances is its willingness to explore the complexities of young love. It delves into themes of identity, family, and personal growth. Tessa and Hardin’s relationship is far from perfect; it’s messy, tumultuous, and, at times, toxic. But that’s what makes it so relatable. It captures the raw intensity of first love, like you can find with an asian bride online , and the mistakes that come with it. But nevertheless, you will have a positive experience and unforgettable emotions.

Strong Performances

One of the film’s strengths lies in its cast. Josephine Langford delivers a standout performance as Tessa Young, portraying her journey from innocence to self-discovery with depth and authenticity. Her emotional range is impressive, and she brings a level of vulnerability to the character that makes you root for Tessa even when she’s making questionable choices.

Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, as Hardin Scott, also shines in his role. He embodies the brooding and enigmatic bad boy archetype while revealing glimpses of the vulnerability beneath the surface. The chemistry between Langford and Fiennes-Tiffin is palpable, and it’s their performances that anchor the film and make you invest in their characters’ tumultuous relationships.

Adaptation and Controversy

One of the most intriguing aspects of ‘After’ is its origin as a piece of fanfiction based on the band One Direction. Anna Todd initially wrote the story on the social media platform Wattpad, where it gained a massive following. While the film adaptation strays from its original fanfiction roots, it still retains the essence of a passionate love story with all its complications.

The movie’s adaptation also faced controversy for its depiction of a tumultuous and, at times, toxic relationship. Some critics argued that it romanticized unhealthy dynamics. However, others praised the film for addressing these issues realistically and showing the characters’ growth and development throughout the story.

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It’s important to approach ‘After’ with an open mind and consider it within the context of a young adult romance genre. While it may not be a perfect representation of a healthy relationship, it does offer a glimpse into the intense emotions and challenges that young couples often face.

Visual Aesthetics and Soundtrack

Visually, ‘After’ is a treat for the eyes. The film’s cinematography captures the college setting beautifully, with lush landscapes and intimate close-ups that draw you into the characters’ world. The use of natural lighting and soft colors creates a dreamy atmosphere that enhances the romantic elements of the story.

The soundtrack of ‘After’ is another highlight, featuring a mix of indie and pop songs that complement the film’s emotional journey. Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone for various scenes, helping to convey the characters’ emotions and the ups and downs of their relationship.

The Impact of ‘After’

Despite its mixed critical reception, ‘After’ has built a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its portrayal of young love and the challenges that come with it. The film’s success also led to the creation of a franchise, with several sequels and spin-offs in the works.

‘After’ has resonated with audiences who can relate to the intensity of first love, the mistakes made along the way, and the personal growth that comes from those experiences. It reminds us that love is messy, imperfect, and often filled with obstacles, but it can also be transformative and worth the journey.

In Conclusion

‘After’ may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a film that offers an authentic portrayal of young love and the complexities that come with it. With strong performances from its leads, a visually appealing aesthetic, and a compelling soundtrack, it manages to capture the hearts of its target audience. If you’re in the mood for a passionate and tumultuous love story, ‘After’ is a movie worth giving a chance. It’s a reminder that love, no matter how messy, has the power to change us and shape our lives in unexpected ways.

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Review: 'After Everything,' the final movie leaves viewers wanting more

This movie is only in theaters for september 14th and 15th. the journey hardin scott takes to become a better version of himself is depicted in this film..

Tessa, left, portrayed by Josephine Langford, and Hardin, portrayed by Hero Fiennes Tiffin, share a moment in the fifth film in the After series. (Courtesy Voltage Pictures)

The fifth and final film in the After franchise, "After Everything," appeared in theaters for two days only, Sept. 14 and 15. However, it is expected to be released on Netflix later in 2023 or early 2024.

This is the first film where actress Josephine Langford portrays Tessa, a key character in the series who does not appear in this film until near the end. This film is the first in the franchise that is not named after the novels of the same title, authored by Anna Todd.

The lead character Hardin, portrayed by Hero Fiennes Tiffin, travels to Portugal in search of Natalie, a woman he had wronged in the past. During his search, Hardin embarks on a discovery of self. He struggles to advance his first manuscript while dealing with writer's block and the heartbreaking split with Tessa. He understands that he needs to change before making the ultimate commitment to get Tessa back.

The trip to Portugal demonstrates Hardin's development as a character as he realizes the mistakes he had made. The story of this film includes Hardin's effort to become a better person overall. But, the relationship he has pursued with Tessa creates a spiral in his mind of what it would mean to live without her. The experience teaches him the importance of happiness.

Fiennes Tiffin gave a sincere performance, capturing the depth of his character's anguish. At the beginning of the movie, Hardin narrates how he cannot imagine life without Tessa. The audience at the Emagine Theater on Sept. 14, connected with Hardin's emotional outpouring, with fan reactions to the scenes creating a significant hum in the room. 

When Hardin's father, Vince, travels to Portugal to support him during his writer's block and heartache, fans experience one of the purest moments in the film. The acting in this scene revealed how Hardin and Vince were truly father and son. Vince advises Hardin to write at least "a page a day" to earn his book advance. He advised Hardin to let go of Tessa and find happiness, saying he didn't know what the future might bring. In the previous film, their relationship was often chaotic, so the happy time they shared in this film is appreciated.

The character Natalie, portrayed by Mimi Keene, captured the importance of Hardin's past. She brought Hardin back to life after experiencing his heartbreak. This was a platonic relationship between the characters, and it gave Hardin true friendship. The way Natalie forgave Hardin for the pain he caused her in the past was mature and pure of her. She still had the heart to forgive him after ruining her life, which perfectly captured the insight Hardin required in his life.

Another thing that the film did a great job of capturing was how Hardin would always have memories of Tessa and how every area he visited made him think of her. This perfectly conveyed how much he missed her and how there was nothing that could ever make him forget her.

This film demonstrates how real happiness comes from within, and that to move on with life, barriers must be overcome. Near the end, Hardin and Tessa's romance is reignited, revealing how much heartache they had to endure for two years before finding happiness.

The lack of screen time for Josephine Langford, who played Tessa Young, was one of the movie's low points. Although the focus of this film was Hardin's journey, Tessa's struggles should have been highlighted at certain points. When he tried to reach out to her in the brief scene before the conclusion, it appeared that she did not care.

Tessa appeared to be delighted to see him toward the conclusion of the film. He demonstrated how much he had evolved during the last two years. At the moment Hardin makes his proposal, they are still together. Viewers might be left wanting a backstory to their rekindled happiness as a couple. The end of the movie, a flash forward to the future of them ending up together married with a daughter, felt rushed and left a feeling of something missing at the end.

This movie did an excellent job of showing Hardin's development throughout the narrative, which was a crucial development. Overall, the movie was great, but it would have been better with a few missing components. Tiffin's acting captured the feelings of heartbreak, growth, and happiness.

"You're my breath, my pain, my heart, my life! You're my better place, Tess. We needed to be able to stand alone before we could stand together" Hardin Scott said in the book

This specific quote is a perfect representation of this movie.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.

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Here's How to Watch the 'After' Movies in Order (Chronologically and by Release Date)

Catch up with Tessa and Hardin's romance.

Love doesn’t always come with a happily ever after. Based on the best-selling novel by Anna Todd , the After film series follows the studious and innocent Tessa Young ( Josephine Langford ) and the dangerously rebellious Hardin Scott ( Hero Fiennes Tiffin ) as they find themselves in a passionate yet tumultuous relationship. Now a hit sensation, the After series explores what it takes to keep the fire alive in a relationship. New to the After series? Here’s how you should watch the films in order.

Editor's Note: This piece was updated on November 6, 2023.

'After' Movies in Order of Release

• After - April 12, 2019
• After We Collided - October 23, 2020
• After We Fell - September 30, 2021
• After Ever Happy - September 7, 2022
• After Everything - September 13, 2023

'After' Movies in Chronological Order

After (2019).

After introduces Tessa Young, a high school graduate who’s just about to start her first day at Washington Central University as an undeclared economics major. On the day of her move-in, she’s accompanied by her caring yet rather controlling mother, Carol Young, and her high school sweetheart Noah Porter. Upon her arrival, Tessa is greeted by Steph Jones, Tessa’s roommate, and her girlfriend, Tristan. Unlike the studious Tessa, Steph and Tristan are all about the party scene. Nevertheless, Tessa gets along with her new friends and settles down at her dorm. Steph invites Tessa to a party at a frat house, to which she reluctantly agrees. There, Tessa gets to know the rest of Steph and Tristan’s clique, which just so happens to include Hardin Scott, a mysterious boy she met in her dorm room. The group suggests playing Truth or Dare, and Tessa is dared to lock lips with Hardin. She bluntly refuses and escapes the party, accidentally wandering around Hardin’s house. Hardin suddenly enters and the two share a lingering moment before Tessa snaps out of it and leaves.

For the next couple of days, Hardin persuades Tessa to come with him to a lake house. Before they know it, the two start flirting with each other and eventually kiss in the water. But the passion doesn’t last long, and later on, in the movie, it’s become apparent that Hardin is adamant about the idea of dating. Heartbroken, she continues to ignore Hardin, but her heart softens after Hardin gets himself into an emotional outburst at home. Despite her friends’ warnings to take things slow with Hardin, Tessa doesn’t listen to them and continues a seemingly perfect dating life with him. Everyone is always telling her that Hardin is up to something. Although she ignores them at first, Hardin, under the pressure of his friends, finally confesses to Tessa that Hardin is dared to make Tessa make fall in love with him and break her heart in the end. Tessa realizes that her relationship with Hardin is just one big lie.

After spending some time at home, she returns to university and applies for an internship at Vance Publishing. She spends more time in her classes. On the day of her English paper essay submission, her professor puts her aside and gives her an essay Hardin submitted, which sounds like it’s meant for Tessa. After class is dismissed, Tessa and Landon sit on the campus lawn. She reads the essay, which happens to be a letter from Hardin professing his feelings for her.

Watch on Netflix

After We Collided

After We Collided starts off with Hardin dreaming of Tessa, only to wake up all alone in his car, upset that Tessa hasn’t been replying to his texts. As he exits his car, a homeless man who is desperately looking for someone abruptly approaches him, prompting Hardin to shoo him away. Meanwhile, at Vance Publishing, Tessa begins her first day as a bright intern. However, things go down south after an awkward encounter with her new co-worker, Trevor Matthews. Tessa is immediately welcomed by secretary Kimberly (who is revealed to be Vance’s romantic interest), and Christian Vance, the founder of Vance Publishing.

One night, Tessa attends a nightclub with her co-workers to pique a potential investor's interest. However, after too many drinks, things got hot and heavy. From dancing with strangers to one accidental kiss, Tessa, in her drunken stupor, calls Hardin and gloats about how much she’s having now. Trevor suddenly finds her and the two return to their hotel room. Tessa accidentally spills her wine onto Trevor’s clothes and asks him to undress, so she can wash off the stains. All of a sudden, Hardin storms into the room, angry at a half-naked Trevor and cursing him out of the room. The pair’s rage doesn’t last long, and eventually, the two sleep with each other.

But their peaceful reunion doesn’t last long. Tessa soon comes to terms with the complicated mess that is in her work life and comes to terms with her true feelings for Hardin. Things get even more complex with Hardin’s family coming into the mix, with his mother Trish Daniels suddenly visiting him in the States and befriending Tessa. Tessa also goes on a venture searching for her long-lost father, who appears in the ending in the most surprising way possible.

After We Fell

In After We Fell , Tessa and Hardin are now happily living together, but deep down, they’re still incredibly insecure about themselves. Tessa receives an offer to work for Vance Publishing at their Seattle office. While she’s excited about the opportunity, Hardin doesn’t share the same sentiment. He’s afraid that their long-distance relationship wouldn’t work and more trouble ensues. Also, it doesn’t help that Hardin initially wants to bring Tessa to London after graduation.

Despite this, Tessa takes up the opportunity to move to Seattle. The jealousy-ridden Hardin becomes incredibly jealous, especially since she’ll be in the same city as Trevor. Meanwhile, Tessa has other struggles to tend to; she’s trying to reconnect with her estranged father, whom she has not seen for nine years. Hardin, originally reluctant about Tessa meeting her father for fear of getting hurt, finds himself bonding with the man as they bond about their alcoholism.

Everything seems smooth sailing until Hardin takes Tessa to London for his mother’s wedding. He is hesitant at first because he’s scared that Tessa will judge his past and origins. With Vance’s encouragement, Hardin invites Tessa to his mother’s wedding. Things appear fine, but the happiness is short-lived. The night before his mother’s wedding, Hardin accidentally encounters Vance having sex with his mom. Kimberly finds out about Vance’s cheating ways and is furious with him. Things take for the worse when Vance reveals to Hardin a long-lost secret.

After Ever Happy

When Hardin discovers his family's dark secret, he plunges into a pit of despair from which he is unable to escape. Tessa is fed up with trying to rescue Hardin from his misery only to find out that Hardin is the only one who can do it. To Hardin's dismay, Tessa eventually suggests that they take a break from each other. Hardin is furious at the idea, but eventually, they part ways and spend time figuring out what they truly want in life. As they cross with each other again in the future, they have the opportunity to rekindle their relationship or repeat their same old mistakes again. Is passion alone enough to keep their relationship strong? Or is this the end for Tessa and Hardin?

After Everything

After Everything shows the aftermath of Hardin's break-up with Tessa and his deteriorating mental state as he struggles to cope with not being with Tessa anymore. He's also struggling with his work, suffering from a bad case of writer's block. Hardin decides to travel to Lisbon, Portugal, in order to make amends with Natalie, but unfortunately isn't so welcome. As his journey progresses, Hardin once again crosses paths with Tessa, but only time will tell if the former couple will rekindle their flame.

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The After Review – An emotional and impactful short

Short films are a beautiful art, and they rarely ever get the attention they deserve. With the average runtime for films becoming almost three hours, it’s refreshing to see Netflix releasing the short The After , with a runtime of just eighteen minutes. Anyone can spare so few minutes, and we implore you to in this case.

The After is a British short film directed and co-written by Misan Harriman, starring David Oyelowo as the lead role of Dayo.  In this intense short film, Dayo is a grieving rideshare driver who picks up a passenger who helps him confront the past. It’s simple, it’s predictable, but it’s still emotionally charged and effective.

The After review and plot summary

This short film covers a topic we can all empathize and sympathize with — grief. It dabbles in the realms of suicide which is a nod to the growing rate of suicides among people, especially men, but this is ambiguous and something you can determine for yourself when you watch. This short but intense section of the film will make you think about the people in your life, how they could be suffering, and their reactions to grief and loss. 

The fact Dayo is a taxi driver, in one of the busiest cities in the world, shows the irony that someone who sees so many people per day can be so lonely. There’s some comedic relief in the many random conversations a taxi driver can hear in the back of their cab. 

This broken man is surviving, getting through day by day, and not really living. Anyone who’s suffered from grief, depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, can understand this. The short does well to portray the feelings of utter sadness and almost indifference to life. There’s one section where he breaks down crying in the middle of the street and just accepts this. This is truly sad to watch. This scene is a cathartic release, especially for people who have been brought up to hold things in, allowing audiences to see that crying and breaking down is okay. 

The cinematography is tight, with some beautifully lit shots of Dayo in a lonely London, and the scenes in the taxi are well done, not crappy CGI green screen. 

Is The After Worth Watching?

Short films have the pleasure of making an impactful message in under twenty minutes — sometimes under ten.

The biggest criticism is there isn’t a strong character arc. It builds but then the ending is abrupt; it’s easy to feel as if one hasn’t seen a complete story. It’s a sweet ending, but after the hard-hitting deaths, and a scene of him breaking down, a stronger ending was needed to convey a message of hope and moving on.

Still, this short film packs a punch to the gut, and whilst it’s sad to watch, it’s also a small reminder that you can overcome your grief and sadness with small steps, and those steps are worth taking.

What did you think of The After? Comment below.

RELATED: The After Ending Explained

Article by Romey Norton

Romey Norton joined Ready Steady Cut in June 2021 as a Film and TV writer, and since then, she has published over 400 articles for the website. With a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Leeds in 2017 and acting experience on screen, Romey uses her Film and TV knowledge to bring informative and detailed content for online publications and podcasting.

The Interest of Love Season 1 Episode 12 Recap

Blow the Man Down review - a strange slice of northern New England life

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Spy x Family Code: White fails the mission by serving every fan

You will enjoy half the movie

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I love when Spy x Family veers into slice-of-life drama. I like seeing super duper capable spy Loid Forger and lethal assassin Yor navigate mundane activities like cooking dinner or planning date nights. I’m giddy when telepathic Anya uses her powers in a dodgeball match. I’m sure there are fans that prefer the more action-heavy, spy-thriller episodes, but I like when studios Wit and Cloverworks keep it chill. With 20 episodes a season, the anime has the space to deftly balance these two tones.

Spy x Family Code: White tries to dance that dance without the same rhythm. The new movie clocks in at almost two hours, but no matter what type of Spy x Family fan you are, only one half of it will be a delight and the other will be a slog.

[ Ed. note: This review contains some spoilers for Spy x Family ]

In Spy x Family Code: White , the Forger family goes on vacation to an idyllic mountain village. There is a big ulterior motive for this: Anya’s newest class assignment involves cooking a dessert, and if she bakes the best dessert, she’ll get a coveted Stella, the school’s premier academic prize. And since she needs as many Stellas as possible to secure a spot at an elite party, where her family can meet the prime minister, Loid decides the best strategy is to research the headmaster’s favorite dessert hands-on.

At the same time, the future of Operation Strix is up in the air. Loid really wants Anya to win this contest so that he can have leverage to stay on the assignment. Oh, and, thanks to a misunderstanding, Yor thinks Loid might be cheating on their (fake) marriage.

Directed by Spy x Family episode director Takashi Katagiri, the first half of the movie involves a lot of lighthearted shenanigans, with some spy stuff sprinkled in. It’s my ideal ratio. Loid, Yor, Anya, and precognitive family dog Bond traverse across this mountain village, which looks like something out of a Hallmark movie, looking for ingredients so that the chef at the restaurant can make the dessert. This, of course, also involves Loid using his spy-trained marksmanship to beat a carnival game so he can snag an elusive bottle of orange liqueur and Yor accidentally kicking Loid out of a ferris wheel car with her super strong assassin legs when he tries to kiss her.

And while the shenanigans are happening, there are also some nice threads about family and spending time with one another. Loid wants to handle everything by himself, but Yor insists that they need to do things together as a family, because that’s what will be important in the end. Anya’s worried about Operation Strix falling apart and possibly losing her family because of it.

But there are hints of a larger plotline, involving the military of Ostania and some crucial piece of intel that could ignite a war. At first it’s woven into the background, but it ramps up suddenly toward the back half of the movie, and the tone shifts into heavier action and thriller mode.

Yes, there are still a bunch of funny gags (including a prolonged joke about Anya trying to hold her poop in, which is far funnier than it sounds on paper), but there’s also a lot of kicking and explosions and a whole lot of complicated made-up political issues (which in true Anime OVA fashion are resolved neatly so they won’t really affect the next season). I’m sure this is exciting for a certain type of Spy x Family fan, but I spent the second half of the movie daydreaming about what the plot could’ve been if the Forgers spent the next half hour trying to make the overly complicated dessert instead. I know there are people out there who would want the dessert plotline sped up.

As a TV show, Spy x Family expertly handles these tone changes. Having 20-plus episode seasons means a nice balance of both the sillier and the more serious episodes — and because the episodes clock in at half an hour, it never feels like too much focus on one thing. But as a movie, Spy Family Code: White can’t strike that balance. Each half of the movie represents a different aspect of Spy x Family ’s appeal , and each half is quite good for what it’s supposed to be. They just don’t gel together at feature length. When the tone shifts, it locks in and doesn’t really have as much give as the show. Still, no matter what type of Spy x Family fan you are, you’ll enjoy at least half of the movie.

Spy Family Code: White is out in theaters today.

Kaiju No. 8 goes from zero-to-100 with a great first episode cliffhanger

Yuri on ice movie canceled after 7 years in production, my favorite anime: yaeji’s journey from nurse angel ririka sos to nichijou, loading comments....

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After a group of criminals kidnap the ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, they retreat to an isolated mansion, unaware that they're locked inside with no normal little girl. After a group of criminals kidnap the ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, they retreat to an isolated mansion, unaware that they're locked inside with no normal little girl. After a group of criminals kidnap the ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, they retreat to an isolated mansion, unaware that they're locked inside with no normal little girl.

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The Cast of 'Abigail' Test Their Vampire IQ

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• Trivia Angus Cloud 's final role before his passing in July 2023. Although production wasn't completed until months after his death due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Cloud still managed to film all of his scenes before production was shut down.

Abigail : [from trailer] What can I say? I like playing with my food.

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Billy Joel ‘Madison Square Garden’ Special to Re-Air on CBS After Broadcast Is Cut Short Midway Through ‘Piano Man’

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Billy Joel fans will get to find out whether Davy is still in the Navy after all. A broadcast special of the singer in performance at Madison Square Garden was cut off abruptly in most time zones Sunday night during his climactic rendition of the signature hit “Piano Man,” and after considerable public outrage, CBS has committed to re-airing the entire program on Friday night.

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The show started a half-hour behind schedule in the eastern and central time zones because it followed a broadcast of the Masters Tournament that went past its expected end time. CBS has not explained exactly what transpired to have the Joel special get so close to its finish time before the abrupt cutaway. But with some local affiliates upset that the lateness of the Joel special was cutting into their local news time, it would seem that someone made the fateful decision that no one would miss it if they never got to the part of “Piano Man” about how “the microphone smells like a beer, and they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar.”

Wrong, on that score, as even some local newscasters found themselves in the position of apologizing to Joel fans upset to see their faces instead of the singer’s, which was definitely not an instance where they “got us feelin’ alright.”

And west coast viewers, meanwhile, will get a chance to see Joel stick the landing twice.

VIP+ Analysis: Concert Films Look Beyond Taylor and Beyoncé

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Extended-length Bluey episode The Sign is a test run for potential movie, producer says

After weeks of speculation, a Bluey executive has confirmed that a new extended episode is a test case for a potential feature-length movie.

The 28-minute episode — The Sign — will be the studio's longest-running Bluey episode to date.

In an ABC Radio Brisbane interview, Bluey executive producer Daley Pearson said the success of the episode would help to decide the future of the franchise.

"We would love to do a Bluey movie," he said.

"It's no secret that this episode is kind of testing how an audience will go."

Mr Pearson said the trick was keeping kids entertained for half an hour, which is four times the length of a typical Bluey episode.

He said there was "no guarantee" of success.

"There was an element of, 'Can an audience watch Bluey for longer?'" Mr Pearson said.

"I think we'll wait until Sunday to find out and that'll help us figure out our own future."

Will Bluey's parents sell the house?

Bluey went viral again this week after an episode revealed the Heeler family's classic Queenslander house was for sale on the in-universe market.

"It's a huge thing," Mr Pearson said.

He said he hoped children would resonate with the "truthful" experience of growing up in a time of change.

"The best of Bluey is about those big changes, or those big events, or those huge emotional moments in a family's life," Mr Pearson said.

"When your parents are deciding things that you're just not quite in control [of] and you have to go along with, and your world's changing whether you have an agreement in it or not.

"I think kids will definitely, hopefully, get that in this episode."

He did not confirm whether the house would be sold in the upcoming episode, but did say Bluey was the kind of show that was willing to take "big risks".

"I think that's why people aren't quite sure," Mr Pearson said.

"In any other show, I think they'd be expected to go, 'Well, they're not really selling' — but maybe so."

What else can we expect?

Mr Pearson also revealed Australian actor Joel Edgerton has been cast as a police officer.

A 10-second teaser trailer depicts Bluey's family being followed by a police car with sirens on, which inspired "true crime" theories and "wild" speculation on TikTok as fans attempted to make sense of the scenario.

"Maybe, maybe," Mr Pearson said when asked about the theory.

"It'd be a brave new world for family shows, to have the family arrested and put away," he said with a laugh.

Two characters will "absolutely" be getting married in the extended episode, and their identities will be revealed when it airs on Sunday.

"For the audience listening who like it, thank you so much for watching it," Mr Pearson said.

"It's just a privilege to be let into the homes of your family and your kids, and we hope you like this one as much as we do."

Stream Bluey's 28-minute special The Sign at 8am on Sunday, April 14 on ABC iview.

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Henry cavill's new action movie is his second straight box office flop in 2024 despite positive reviews.

After the Argylle disaster, Henry Cavill's newest action movie, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, is his second straight box office flop of 2024.

• Henry Cavill's Argylle failed to achieve profitability at the box office during its original 2024 run.
• His latest movie, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare , has suffered a terrible opening weekend, earning just $8.7 million.
• The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare current sits at fourth at the box office.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is officially becoming Henry Cavill's second flop of 2024. Directed, written, and produced by Guy Ritchie, the movie's cast included Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Eiza González, and more. It is based on Damien Lewis' Churchill's Secret Warriors and takes place during World War II. The movie comes just months Cavill's $200 million Argylle release, which earned a mere $96 million at the box office and became an immediate disaster.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare reviews have been generally positive, but critics have not been able to save the movie from a painful opening weekend. According to a report by Deadline , the movie should gross just $8.7 million through the weekend . With a budget of $60 million, that total means that the movie will struggle to ever achieve profitability. It came in at fourth at the box office, behind Civil War , Abigail , and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire , which is in its fourth week.

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Source: Deadline

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is a World War II film following a top-secret combat unit who were formed by Winston Churchill to hunt down Nazis. The film is directed by Guy Ritchie and based on the book The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill’s Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops by Damien Lewis.

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A New Home for Sundance? Festival Organizers Say It’s Possible.

A 13-year contract with Park City, Utah, is set to expire in 2026 and the film festival is beginning a review process to see if it should move.

By Nicole Sperling

For the past 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival, the influential annual gathering focused on independent film, has been indelibly linked with the snowy mountain town of Park City, Utah.

That may change.

The Sundance Institute, the nonprofit organization that runs the festival, announced Wednesday that with its 13-year contract with the city set to expire in 2026, it would begin a review process to determine whether it should move.

It will now start seeking information from other U.S. cities interested in hosting the festival, which traditionally takes place in January. Beginning in May, the institute will request proposals from cities selected to move forward. The institute expects to announce its decision around the end of the year or the beginning of 2025.

The festival will remain in Park City for 2025 and 2026. Park City, an hour outside Salt Lake City, often becomes snarled with traffic during the 10-day festival. Rental prices explode during the event, and the snowy climate often complicates the process of attending the screenings for many patrons.

“This exploration allows us to responsibly consider how we best continue sustainably serving our community while maintaining the essence of the Festival experience,” Eugene Hernandez, director of the Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming, said in a statement. “We are looking forward to conversations that center supporting artists and serving audiences as part of our mission and work at Sundance Institute, and are motivated by our commitment to insure that the festival continues to thrive culturally, operationally and financially as it has for four decades.”

Sundance, which Robert Redford founded in 1981 and moved to Park City in 1985, continues to be the dominant festival for independent film. For the 2024 edition, the festival received a record number of submissions, over 17,000 from 153 countries. Mr. Redford remains on the institute’s board, which will be part of the review process. His daughter Amy is on the task force that will review proposals.

Park City officials said the city planned to issue a proposal to keep the festival.

“We appreciate our partnership with Sundance, and we want the festival to remain here for another 40 years,” Nann Worel, Park City’s mayor, said in a statement.

Nicole Sperling covers Hollywood and the streaming industry. She has been a reporter for more than two decades. More about Nicole Sperling