After Ever Happy, the fourth film in the After saga, is a fiery testament to love’s power to break and heal. Released on September 7, 2022, this romantic drama, directed by Castille Landon, follows Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) and Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) as they navigate family betrayals, personal tragedies, and their own demons. Based on Anna Todd’s beloved novel, the film is a love letter to fans of “Hessa,” delivering passion, drama, and hope. If you’re ready for a romance that hurts so good, this is your next obsession.
The story begins with Hardin reeling from the truth about his biological father, Christian Vance, plunging him into a drunken spiral. Tiffin’s performance captures Hardin’s volatility—his rage, guilt, and desperate love for Tessa. Tessa, back in Seattle, faces a devastating loss that tests her strength. Langford’s nuanced portrayal makes Tessa’s journey from heartbreak to empowerment deeply moving. Their relationship, marked by intense reunions and wrenching fights, is the film’s pulse, drawing you into a love that’s as toxic as it is magnetic.
After Ever Happy excels at showing love’s complexity. Tessa’s realization that she can’t fix Hardin without sacrificing herself is a powerful arc, while Hardin’s attempt to redeem himself through writing After reveals his vulnerability. The screenplay, by Sharon Soboil and Todd, blends melodrama with real issues—addiction, grief, and identity—making Hessa’s story relatable. Supporting characters like Landon (Chance Perdomo) and Nora (Kiana Madeira) add heart, their romance a bright spot amid the chaos. The ensemble, including Louise Lombard and Stephen Moyer, grounds the film’s heightened emotions.
Shot in Bulgaria, the film’s visuals contrast London’s dark alleys with Seattle’s somber streets, reflecting Hessa’s inner turmoil. The soundtrack, featuring “We Are Family,” underscores the theme of rebuilding broken bonds. Despite a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, the film’s fan-driven success—$1.1 million domestic, $7.9 million international—proves its appeal. Fans of Todd’s books will love the faithful adaptation of moments like Tessa’s confrontation over Hardin’s book and their tentative steps toward healing.
The film’s strength lies in its emotional authenticity. Tessa’s move to New York and Hardin’s bestselling book mark their growth, even as their love remains unresolved. The “to be continued” ending, setting up After Everything, keeps you hooked, though the repetitive drama may frustrate some. Langford and Tiffin’s performances, while not always cohesive, shine in quiet moments of connection. For all its flaws, After Ever Happy is a bold, messy celebration of love’s resilience, perfect for fans of Twilight or The Fault in Our Stars.
