“After” is a romantic drama film based on Anna Todd’s best-selling novel of the same name. Released on April 12, 2019, the movie falls under the genres of romance and teen drama, capturing the emotions and complexities of young love. Directed by Jenny Gage, “After” revolves around the intense, often turbulent relationship between Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. The movie, with its heartfelt performances and passionate chemistry, explores themes of love, personal growth, and the struggles that come with relationships. For fans of romantic dramas, this film offers a captivating, albeit sometimes clichéd, experience that appeals to those who enjoy love stories with emotional highs and lows.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) is a dedicated and disciplined student who has a bright future ahead of her. She moves to college, where her life is turned upside down when she meets Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a brooding and rebellious young man. Despite their stark differences, Tessa and Hardin are drawn to each other in a whirlwind romance. As their relationship deepens, Tessa is forced to confront her own beliefs, values, and emotional vulnerabilities. Hardin, with his troubled past, brings both passion and pain into her life. The story unfolds as the couple navigates the ups and downs of love, trust, and personal discovery. However, their relationship is far from perfect, and they must decide if their love is worth the sacrifices and emotional turmoil it brings.
What’s Good?
One of the standout elements of “After” is the chemistry between the lead actors, Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Their portrayal of Tessa and Hardin is engaging and authentic, drawing viewers into their emotional rollercoaster. Langford, known for her role in “Wish Upon,” brings a vulnerability to Tessa that makes her character relatable and endearing. Tiffin, playing the troubled Hardin, delivers a performance filled with intensity, capturing the complexity of his character with depth and conviction.
The direction by Jenny Gage adds to the film’s emotional impact. She skillfully balances the romantic moments with the more dramatic and challenging aspects of the story, creating a narrative that keeps the audience invested. The pacing of the film is steady, allowing viewers to connect with the characters and their struggles.
The music in “After” also enhances the mood of the film. The soundtrack is filled with contemporary tracks that complement the romantic and emotional tone, adding an extra layer of depth to key scenes. The cinematography is another strong point, with beautiful shots that capture the raw emotions of the characters. The visuals of the film, especially the close-up shots of the leads, help emphasize the intimacy of their relationship.
Overall, “After” succeeds in delivering an emotional experience, thanks to its strong performances, direction, and production values. Fans of romantic dramas will find much to appreciate in these elements.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the film’s main strengths is its ability to evoke genuine emotions from the audience. The chemistry between Langford and Tiffin is undeniable, and their performances make the characters feel real. The story, while not groundbreaking, taps into universal themes of love, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up. These elements make the movie accessible to a wide audience, especially those who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven narratives.
However, the film does have its weaknesses. At times, the plot feels predictable, following the familiar tropes of the “bad boy” and “good girl” dynamic. Hardin’s character, while compelling, often falls into the stereotypical role of the troubled romantic lead, which may feel clichéd to some viewers. Additionally, some of the dialogue can feel overly dramatic or forced, detracting from the authenticity of the characters’ emotions.
Another issue is the pacing in certain parts of the film. While the first half of the movie moves along at a good pace, some of the later scenes drag on a bit, making the film feel longer than it needs to be. The emotional intensity of the relationship between Tessa and Hardin can also be overwhelming at times, especially for viewers who may not be as invested in their love story.
Despite these flaws, “After” remains an engaging watch for fans of romantic dramas, offering an emotional journey that will resonate with many viewers.
Target Audience
“After” is primarily aimed at young adults, particularly those who enjoy romantic dramas filled with emotional highs and lows. Fans of stories about love, self-discovery, and personal growth will find much to enjoy. The film’s themes of overcoming personal struggles and navigating complex relationships will resonate with viewers who appreciate heartfelt narratives. Teenagers and young adults who enjoy books or movies like “The Fault in Our Stars” or “Twilight” will likely enjoy “After” as well.
While the movie may appeal to a broad audience, it is especially suited for those who enjoy the romance genre and are looking for a passionate love story that explores both the beauty and the pain of young love.
Box Office Details
“After” had a budget of approximately ₹35 crores (INR), a modest sum for a romantic drama. Despite its limited budget, the movie performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing a total of ₹140 crores (INR) worldwide. This solid performance helped solidify its status as a popular film among its target audience.
On its opening day, “After” earned ₹6 crores in India, with a steady increase in its earnings over the first few days. By the end of the first weekend, the movie had grossed ₹25 crores in India alone. Overseas, the film performed similarly well, grossing ₹50 crores in its opening weekend, with North America being one of its biggest markets.
Here’s a breakdown of the first five days of box office earnings:
- Day 1 (India): ₹6 crores
- Day 2 (India): ₹7 crores
- Day 3 (India): ₹8 crores
- Day 4 (Overseas): ₹20 crores
- Day 5 (Worldwide): ₹25 crores
The movie’s success at the box office can be attributed to its strong fanbase, particularly among young adults who are familiar with the book series. Despite mixed reviews from critics, “After” proved to be a commercial success, thanks to its appeal to fans of romantic dramas.
Recommendation
“After” is a compelling romantic drama that offers a rollercoaster of emotions, thanks to strong performances and a passionate love story. While the plot may feel predictable at times, the chemistry between the leads and the film’s overall emotional impact make it worth watching. If you’re a fan of romance and enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories, “After” is a movie you won’t want to miss.
Genres:
Romance, Drama
Rating:
7.12/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Josephine Langford | Tessa Young |
| Hero Fiennes Tiffin | Hardin Scott |
| Shane Paul McGhie | Landon Gibson |
| Khadijha Red Thunder | Steph Jones |
| Dylan Arnold | Noah Porter |
| Samuel Larsen | Zed Evans |
| Inanna Sarkis | Molly Samuels |
| Selma Blair | Carol Young |
| Pia Mia | Tristan |
| Swen Temmel | Jace |
| Meadow Williams | Professor Soto |
| Peter Gallagher | Ken Scott |
| Jennifer Beals | Karen Gibson |
| Michael Hull | T.A. |
| Sarah Jorge León | Astronomy Teacher |
| Chris Kontopidis | Waitress |
| Rebecca Lee | Rebecca |
| Shannon Mayers | Secretary |
| Byron Wigfall | Barista |
| John Evanko | Security Guard |
| Mark Axelowitz | Economy Professor |
| Paul Fox | Soccer Game Announcer |
| Matthew Ezell | Professor Ezell |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
