The After franchise, based on Anna Todd’s wildly popular novel series, has captivated audiences with its tumultuous romance between Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. The fifth and final installment, After Everything (2023), directed by Castille Landon, aims to tie up the loose ends of this passionate saga. Starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin and Josephine Langford as Tessa, the film dives into Hardin’s journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, offering fans a conclusion to a story that has spanned years of emotional highs and lows. However, despite its ambitious attempt to close the series, After Everything leaves viewers with mixed feelings, delivering moments of heartfelt closure but also a lingering sense of unfulfilled potential. This review explores the film’s narrative, performances, direction, and its impact as a finale, analyzing why it both satisfies and leaves audiences wanting more.
After Everything shifts its focus primarily to Hardin, exploring his struggles with writer’s block, past trauma, and his desire to repair his fractured relationship with Tessa. Unlike previous films that centered on the couple’s volatile romance, this installment delves into Hardin’s personal growth, particularly his attempt to process his childhood pain and reconnect with his family. The story takes Hardin to Portugal, where he seeks to make amends with Natalie, a figure from his past, while grappling with his lingering feelings for Tessa. The film’s narrative oscillates between introspective moments and romantic tension, aiming to balance Hardin’s redemption arc with the series’ signature emotional intensity.
Thematically, the movie emphasizes forgiveness, self-improvement, and the complexities of love. Hardin’s journey to confront his mistakes—both in his relationship with Tessa and his past actions—offers a more mature tone than earlier entries. However, the narrative often feels uneven, with subplots, such as Hardin’s interactions with his family, receiving less development than needed. The film’s pacing falters at times, rushing through key emotional beats while lingering on less impactful scenes. For fans invested in Tessa and Hardin’s romance, the limited screen time for Tessa, played with understated grace by Langford, feels like a missed opportunity, leaving the story skewed toward Hardin’s perspective.
Hero Fiennes Tiffin delivers a commendable performance as Hardin, capturing his character’s brooding intensity and vulnerability. His portrayal showcases Hardin’s evolution from a self-destructive rebel to a man seeking redemption, with moments of quiet introspection that reveal the depth of his pain. Tiffin’s chemistry with Langford, though limited in this film, remains a highlight, particularly in their emotionally charged scenes. Langford, as Tessa, brings a grounded presence, but her reduced role leaves fans wanting more of her character’s perspective. The absence of their dynamic interplay, a cornerstone of the series, diminishes the emotional weight of the finale.
Director Castille Landon, who also helmed After Ever Happy, brings a polished visual style to After Everything. The film’s Portugal setting offers stunning backdrops, with sweeping shots of coastal landscapes and intimate moments framed in warm, soft lighting. Landon’s direction leans heavily into the series’ aesthetic—moody, romantic, and steeped in emotional intensity—but struggles to maintain narrative coherence. The editing feels uneven, with abrupt transitions between Hardin’s introspective moments and the romantic subplots, which can leave viewers disoriented.
The film’s soundtrack, a staple of the After series, continues to shine, with evocative pop ballads that amplify the emotional stakes. Songs like those by artists featured in previous films maintain the franchise’s signature vibe, resonating with fans. However, the music occasionally overshadows the dialogue, detracting from quieter, character-driven moments. Landon’s attempt to balance the film’s introspective tone with the series’ romantic roots is admirable but not entirely successful, contributing to the sense that the finale doesn’t fully deliver on its promise.
After Everything succeeds in offering closure to Hardin’s arc, particularly in its exploration of his personal growth. The film’s focus on his struggle to overcome writer’s block and confront his past traumas adds depth to a character who has often been defined by his flaws. Scenes where Hardin reflects on his mistakes, such as his betrayal of Natalie or his volatile behavior with Tessa, are poignant and showcase Tiffin’s growth as an actor. The film’s resolution, which includes a glimpse into Hardin and Tessa’s future, provides a satisfying, if predictable, conclusion for fans invested in their love story.
However, the film’s weaknesses are evident in its uneven pacing and underdeveloped subplots. Tessa’s limited role feels like a departure from the series’ core dynamic, leaving fans yearning for more of the couple’s chemistry. The Portugal subplot, while visually appealing, feels disconnected from the main narrative, and secondary characters like Natalie and Hardin’s family are not given enough depth to resonate fully. The film also struggles to balance its introspective tone with the passionate romance that defined earlier entries, resulting in a finale that feels more subdued than expected.
As the final chapter of the After series, After Everything carries the weight of fan expectations. For many, the franchise has been a journey of emotional highs and lows, fueled by Tessa and Hardin’s intense romance. The film succeeds in providing closure for Hardin, but its shift away from the couple’s dynamic leaves a void. Fans who have followed the series for its steamy romance may find the focus on Hardin’s solo journey less engaging, while those who appreciate character-driven stories may welcome the deeper exploration of his psyche. The epilogue, which offers a glimpse into the couple’s future, provides a heartwarming touch but feels rushed, leaving some questions unanswered.
The film’s release in 2023, amidst a crowded landscape of romantic dramas, positions it as a nostalgic farewell for fans of the books and earlier films. However, its inability to fully integrate Tessa’s perspective or develop its supporting characters prevents it from reaching the emotional heights of After We Collided or After We Fell. The finale delivers enough to satisfy loyal fans but falls short of being a definitive conclusion, leaving viewers with a mix of contentment and a desire for more.
