After five years, four films, and millions of devoted fans, Josephine Langford is finally opening up about her emotional journey playing Tessa Young, the heart of the After franchise. From the shy college freshman in After (2019) to the more mature, self-assured woman in After Everything (2023), Langford says she’s evolved alongside her character — and that the experience has changed her both personally and professionally.
“When I started playing Tessa, I was very young and still figuring out who I was,” Langford shared in a recent interview. “Now, looking back, I see how much we’ve both grown — she through her story, and me through mine.”
The After films, based on Anna Todd’s bestselling novels, follow the intense love story between Tessa and Hardin Scott (played by Hero Fiennes Tiffin). What began as a steamy teen romance blossomed into a complex emotional saga exploring forgiveness, independence, and identity. For Langford, that evolution mirrored her own transition from a rising actress to a confident leading woman.
“Tessa starts out as someone who’s always trying to please others,” Langford explained. “By the end, she’s learned to stand on her own — and I think I’ve learned that too. Playing her taught me a lot about boundaries, strength, and the importance of self-discovery.”
Langford’s portrayal of Tessa earned widespread praise for its emotional depth and subtle vulnerability. Critics have noted that her ability to convey heartbreak, confusion, and resilience without relying on melodrama helped ground the After films in realism. It’s a performance that quietly grew more layered with each installment — much like Langford herself.
Behind the camera, the actress formed lasting friendships with her co-stars, particularly with Fiennes Tiffin. Though the pair have long denied any off-screen romance, their chemistry became the foundation of the series’ success. Langford admits that working so closely with one partner for years created “a unique sense of trust” that allowed both actors to push emotional boundaries.
As the franchise comes to an end, Langford says saying goodbye to Tessa was surprisingly bittersweet. “It’s hard to close a chapter that’s been such a big part of your life,” she said. “But at the same time, it feels right. I’m proud of where she ended up — and of where I am now.”
Since wrapping After Everything, Langford has begun branching into new roles, exploring darker dramas and character-driven projects that showcase her range. Still, she acknowledges that Tessa will always hold a special place in her heart. “She was my first big role,” Langford said with a smile. “In many ways, she was my introduction to the world — and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
