dreamabodefinder.com – After (2019), directed by Jenny Gage, is based on the popular novel by Anna Todd, which began as a fanfiction inspired by the band One Direction. The film follows Tessa Young (Josephine Langford), a shy, diligent student, and Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a brooding, rebellious young man, as they navigate the complexities of a tumultuous relationship that pushes the boundaries of love, trust, and personal growth.
Plot Overview
Tessa, an ambitious college freshman, is trying to live a structured and predictable life. However, her world is turned upside down when she meets Hardin, a handsome and mysterious figure who quickly sweeps her off her feet. What begins as a passionate and intense romance evolves into a story about self-discovery, personal transformation, and the challenges that come with emotional vulnerability.
At first glance, After may appear to be a typical teen romance, but as the film progresses, it delves into more complex themes, such as family dynamics, personal identity, and the struggle between idealized love and real-life relationships.
Characters and Performances
Josephine Langford brings Tessa’s character to life with charm and sincerity. As Tessa, she conveys the character’s inner conflict—her desire for stability and independence, coupled with her emotional attraction to Hardin. Langford’s performance effectively portrays Tessa’s journey of self-discovery, where her relationship with Hardin forces her to confront her own vulnerabilities.
Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who plays Hardin, delivers a compelling performance as the brooding, damaged anti-hero. Hardin’s complex personality is revealed slowly throughout the film, showcasing layers of pain, anger, and longing. Tiffin’s portrayal of Hardin, while intense and sometimes frustrating, manages to capture the emotional depth of a character trying to reconcile with his past.
The chemistry between Langford and Tiffin is palpable, making their relationship dynamic feel real and layered. However, at times, Hardin’s character may feel one-dimensional, especially as his motives and actions can come across as contradictory or impulsive.
Themes and Emotional Core
The central theme of After revolves around the complexities of love and the idea that not all relationships are easy or healthy. Tessa and Hardin’s relationship is toxic at times, marked by emotional turmoil, misunderstandings, and personal growth that tests their limits. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker aspects of romance, such as manipulation and emotional pain, and challenges the notion of “love conquering all.”
Tessa’s transformation throughout the film is a highlight. Her character matures as she learns to assert her independence and understand what she truly wants out of life and relationships. In contrast, Hardin’s emotional journey is more of a mystery, with his past and motivations slowly unraveling, making his character arc more compelling, though at times frustrating.
While the film touches on important issues, it occasionally falls into clichés of the “bad boy” trope and the idea that a troubled relationship can change a person. These elements could have been explored with more nuance, as some parts of the story feel repetitive or predictable.
Direction and Cinematography
Jenny Gage’s direction is competent, allowing the story to unfold at a steady pace while capturing the emotional intensity of the central relationship. The cinematography, while not groundbreaking, effectively conveys the beauty and tension in key moments between the characters. The use of close-ups helps to emphasize the emotional stakes, and the setting of a college campus creates a relatable backdrop for the characters’ personal and romantic growth.
While the film does have a stylish and polished look, it doesn’t always capture the essence of the book’s emotional rawness. There are moments where the film feels more like a typical teen romance than a unique exploration of love and relationships, but it does manage to create a compelling atmosphere that keeps the viewer engaged.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of After complements the film’s emotional tone, with a mix of contemporary songs that heighten the intensity of key scenes. Music plays a significant role in setting the mood for the characters’ romantic moments and the ups and downs they face. Though some might argue that the soundtrack can feel a bit formulaic at times, it fits well within the genre and enhances the overall experience.
Conclusion
After is a compelling, if sometimes predictable, teen romance that explores the highs and lows of love, identity, and personal growth. While it relies on familiar tropes of the genre, the performances by Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin elevate the material, providing emotional depth to their characters. The film succeeds in capturing the intensity of a young romance while also delving into the darker aspects of relationships that can challenge personal boundaries.
For fans of romantic dramas and young adult fiction, After offers an emotionally charged and relatable story. However, its portrayal of love may not resonate with everyone, as it occasionally glosses over the complexities of relationships in favor of dramatic moments. Despite its flaws, After is a film that taps into the emotional turbulence of youth and the complexity of discovering oneself through love.
