After Ever Happy, the fourth chapter of the electrifying After franchise, is a rollercoaster of passion, heartbreak, and redemption that will leave you breathless. Starring Josephine Langford as Tessa Young and Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott, this romantic drama dives deeper into the turbulent love story of “Hessa,” a couple whose bond is tested by shocking family secrets and devastating tragedies. Directed by Castille Landon, the film, released on September 7, 2022, is a must-watch for fans of intense romance and raw emotion. Buckle up for a journey that proves love is worth fighting for!
The story picks up after the explosive cliffhangers of After We Fell. Hardin reels from the revelation that Christian Vance is his biological father, shattering his sense of identity. Meanwhile, Tessa faces her own heartbreak, returning to Seattle to confront a personal tragedy. Langford and Tiffin deliver powerhouse performances, capturing the anguish and hope of two lovers caught in a cycle of breakups and makeups. Their chemistry, though sometimes strained, crackles in moments of vulnerability—like when Tessa and Hardin reconnect in a passionate night that reignites their spark. The film’s raw depiction of love’s highs and lows keeps you glued to the screen.
After Ever Happy stands out for its unflinching look at toxic relationships. Tessa, no longer the naive college freshman, grapples with whether she can save Hardin without losing herself. Hardin, battling his demons, including alcohol abuse, struggles to be the man Tessa deserves. The screenplay, co-written by Sharon Soboil and Anna Todd, weaves real-world issues like addiction and grief into the narrative, making the stakes feel personal. Supporting characters like Landon (Chance Perdomo) and Nora (Kiana Madeira) add depth, their own romance offering a lighter counterpoint to Hessa’s chaos.
The film’s emotional core is its exploration of growth. Tessa’s decision to move to New York with Landon marks a turning point, showing her prioritizing self-healing. Hardin’s journey, though messy, hints at redemption as he channels his pain into a book titled After, which becomes a New York Times bestseller. Tiffin’s portrayal of Hardin’s rage and remorse is compelling, even if his character’s volatility can frustrate. Langford shines as Tessa, her quiet strength anchoring the film. Their evolving dynamic—less about fixing each other, more about growing together—gives the story heart.
Visually, After Ever Happy captures the contrast between London’s moody streets and Seattle’s somber skies, shot in Bulgaria for authenticity. The soundtrack, featuring Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” underscores the theme of familial ties, both broken and rebuilt. Despite mixed reviews (Rotten Tomatoes reports a 0% critic score), the film’s fanbase remains fiercely loyal, drawn to its melodramatic flair. Box office figures show it grossed $1.1 million domestically and $7.9 million internationally, proving Hessa’s global appeal.
