After: Guilty Pleasure of the Movies #342

Let’s talk about “After,” the movie that caused a frenzy among fans of young adult romance novels. Released in 2019, it’s a classic good girl meets bad boy story with a whole lot of drama. But before we dive into the whirlwind romance of Tessa and Hardin, let’s rewind a bit.

From Wattpad to the Big Screen

Did you know “After” wasn’t born out of a polished manuscript and a Hollywood bidding war? It actually started on Wattpad, a social storytelling platform. Author Anna Todd wrote the story as a series of online fanfiction based on the boyband One Direction, specifically Harry Styles. Yup, you read that right. The characters were named after the band members!

The story gained a massive following online, and soon traditional publishers came knocking. The characters were revamped (thankfully!), and “After” became a full-fledged novel. The passionate fanbase followed the story to the big screen, making the movie a box office success despite mixed reviews.

The Star-Crossed Lovers

So, who are these star-crossed lovers that had everyone buzzing? Josephine Langford takes on the role of Tessa Young, a dedicated student with a seemingly perfect life. Enter Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott, the brooding bad boy who turns Tessa’s world upside down.

Langford might look familiar if you’re a Netflix fan. She’s the younger sister to Katherine Langford, who starred in the series “13 Reasons Why.” Josephine has since acted in the sequels to “After” and is building a promising career.

Hero Fiennes Tiffin comes from acting royalty. His uncle is none other than Ralph Fiennes, the Lord Voldemort himself! “After“ was his breakout role, and he has continued to portray Hardin in the sequels.

A Look Beyond After

If you enjoyed their chemistry in “After,” you might be interested in checking out their other works! Langford recently starred in the movie “Happy Death Day 2U” and the thriller series “Pistol.” Tiffin hasn’t strayed far from the YA genre, appearing in the movie “The Silencing.”

Is There More After ‘After’?

Absolutely! The movie is actually the first installment in a five-part series. Here’s a quick rundown of the sequels:

After We Collided (2020): Tessa tries to move on from Hardin, but their connection is undeniable. Prepare for more emotional rollercoaster rides!
After We Fell (2021): Tessa and Hardin face new challenges that threaten to tear them apart. This movie delves deeper into Hardin’s past.
After Ever Happy (2022): Tessa and Hardin navigate new relationship milestones – will they finally get their happily ever after?
After Everything (2023): In the final chapter of the After series, Hardin travels to Portugal to apologize to a past fling, but finds inspiration to write again and reconnect with his true love Tessa, even proposing in the end. The film also reveals Hardin’s past mistake and the impact it had on someone, leading to his personal growth.

So, is “After” worth the hype?

After watching the first movie, I was looking up in internet about the movie’s background and what not. It was hard for me digest the fact that even after having such poor ratings, they kept on making a new After movie till 2023!

So to answer the question: it really depends on what you are looking for in a movie.

If you crave a dramatic love story with a brooding bad boy and a good girl who might be a little too good, then this movie is for you. Just be prepared for some toxicity sprinkled in with the romance.

But hey, even if the plot isn’t award-winning, there’s no denying the movie’s entertainment value. It’s a perfect choice for a casual watch night with friends, popcorn (or your favorite snack!), and maybe a few tissues (just in case). Whether you love it or hate it, “After” is a movie that has sparked conversation and captured the hearts of many. So, cuddle up, hit play, and get ready to experience the whirlwind romance of Tessa and Hardin!

Thanks for reading. Check out another of my movie blogs (starring Tessa or Josephine Langford):