After Everything, the fifth and final installment of the After series, aims to tie up the romantic saga of Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. As a fan-favorite franchise based on Anna Todd’s novels, the film carries the weight of expectations to deliver a satisfying conclusion. While it offers moments of emotional depth and closure, it ultimately leaves viewers with a lingering sense of wanting more—both in terms of narrative fulfillment and character development.
The movie picks up with Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) grappling with his past traumas and seeking redemption, while Tessa (Josephine Langford) navigates her own path toward independence. The chemistry between the leads remains the heart of the film, with their push-and-pull dynamic still capable of sparking intense emotions. Fiennes Tiffin delivers a commendable performance, portraying Hardin’s vulnerability with a rawness that resonates, while Langford’s Tessa exudes strength, though her character’s arc feels somewhat underwritten.
Visually, the film maintains the series’ sleek aesthetic, with dreamy cinematography capturing both intimate moments and sweeping landscapes. The soundtrack, a staple of the franchise, complements the emotional beats, though it occasionally overshadows the dialogue. However, the pacing falters at times, with certain subplots—like Hardin’s family drama—feeling rushed or unresolved, leaving gaps in the story that devoted fans may find frustrating.
The screenplay attempts to balance romance, drama, and personal growth, but it struggles to fully explore the complexities of its characters. Longtime fans will appreciate the callbacks to earlier films and the closure of major storylines, yet newcomers may find the narrative disjointed without prior context. The film’s runtime, just over 90 minutes, feels insufficient to wrap up a saga of this scope, resulting in a conclusion that, while heartfelt, lacks the depth needed to feel truly complete.
After Everything succeeds in delivering a nostalgic farewell to its iconic couple, but it falls short of being a definitive end. It’s a film that satisfies on an emotional level yet leaves you craving a richer exploration of its themes and characters. For fans, it’s a bittersweet goodbye—one that celebrates the journey but hints at stories still untold.
