After years of passionate love, heartbreak, and redemption, After Everything brings the wildly popular After franchise to a powerful conclusion. As the fifth and final installment, this film doesn’t just wrap up the epic love story of Hardin Scott and Tessa Young — it takes audiences on an emotional journey of healing, personal growth, and ultimately, closure. But what truly sets this final film apart is the arrival of a fresh face from one of Netflix’s biggest hits — Sex Education. With new dynamics and unresolved pain from the past, After Everything is more than a conclusion — it’s a final reckoning.
A New Beginning for Hardin Scott
The story picks up with Hardin Scott (played by Hero Fiennes Tiffin), still reeling from his breakup with Tessa (Josephine Langford). Unlike previous chapters which centered around the explosive chemistry between the two, this final film focuses more on Hardin’s internal struggle and his attempt to become a better man — not for Tessa, but for himself.
Viewers see a darker, more introspective Hardin as he battles with writer’s block, guilt, and the fallout of choices he made in earlier films. No longer hiding behind anger or alcohol, Hardin embarks on a soul-searching trip to Lisbon — a city that holds secrets he has long tried to forget. It’s here where he meets Natalie, a character who becomes crucial to his healing process.
Enter the Sex Education Star
The casting of Sex Education fan favorite Mimi Keene as Natalie stirred massive excitement among fans. Known for her sharp wit and layered performances, Keene brings a refreshing energy to the franchise. As Natalie, she represents a painful chapter from Hardin’s past — a chapter that demands confrontation.
Rather than being a new love interest or a plot device, Natalie is written with depth and authenticity. She’s a woman who once trusted Hardin, only to be burned by the reckless version of him from before he met Tessa. Her presence forces Hardin to face the reality of who he was, and in doing so, gives viewers one of the film’s most emotionally raw confrontations. Mimi Keene delivers a performance that’s subtle yet impactful, ensuring Natalie is not overshadowed by the looming specter of Tessa and Hardin’s relationship.
Tessa’s Limited but Powerful Role
While Josephine Langford’s Tessa has less screen time in this installment, her presence is deeply felt. The film explores their relationship through flashbacks and internal monologues, making it clear that Tessa remains the compass guiding Hardin’s transformation. When they do reunite, even briefly, the chemistry between them is electric — a reminder of why fans fell in love with the series in the first place.
But this time, Tessa isn’t waiting around for Hardin to change. She’s living her own life, focusing on her career and well-being. This portrayal of a strong, independent woman who chooses herself after years of heartbreak is a powerful message, particularly for young viewers.
A Shift in Tone
One of the most noticeable changes in After Everything is its shift in tone. The film feels more mature, both in storytelling and visuals. Gone are the fiery arguments and melodramatic moments that defined earlier films. Instead, we get quiet scenes filled with introspection, vulnerability, and reflection.
The cinematography, especially in Lisbon, adds to this atmosphere. The city is captured beautifully, offering a sense of peace that mirrors Hardin’s emotional journey. Whether he’s walking the cobbled streets, staring at the ocean, or writing in solitude, every frame is infused with a sense of finality.
Closure, Not Perfection
Fans hoping for a neat, romantic ending might be surprised. After Everything doesn’t tie every loose end or deliver a fairy-tale conclusion. What it offers instead is something far more real: closure.
Hardin doesn’t end up with all the answers, nor does he magically fix everything. But he finds peace, accepts his past, and begins a new chapter — one built on honesty and growth. And that, in many ways, is the most satisfying conclusion possible for a character like Hardin Scott.
Why This Ending Works
Franchises often struggle to deliver endings that feel earned. But After Everything succeeds because it respects its characters and their evolution. It doesn’t rely on nostalgia or fan service. Instead, it tells a story of redemption and personal responsibility.
Mimi Keene’s involvement is not just a marketing gimmick. Her performance as Natalie adds depth to Hardin’s arc and provides one of the most memorable sequences in the series. The choice to include a well-known face from Sex Education feels organic and well-integrated, not forced.
A Farewell to the After Universe
It’s hard to believe that what started as a Wattpad fanfiction inspired by a boy band blossomed into a global cinematic phenomenon. The After franchise may have its critics, but it undeniably struck a chord with millions. Themes of first love, toxic patterns, forgiveness, and self-discovery made it more than just a teen romance. After Everything is a love letter to fans who stayed through the ups and downs. It thanks them not by giving them what they expect, but by giving them what they need: closure, accountability, and hope.
