Before diving into After Everything, the emotional final chapter of Tessa and Hardin’s tumultuous love story, let’s take a look back at the four previous films in the After franchise. From the first sparks of romance to painful betrayals and emotional growth, the journey of these two characters has been anything but simple. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting started, this seamless recap will help you understand where they’ve been—and what might come next.
The saga began with After (2019), introducing Tessa Young, a smart and focused college freshman who had her life all planned out. Everything changes when she meets Hardin Scott, a mysterious and rebellious classmate with a troubled past. At first, their differences seem too vast, but as they’re drawn together, Tessa starts questioning everything she once believed. The twist? Hardin’s relationship with her started as a cruel dare—a betrayal that cuts deeply and sets the tone for the rest of their love story. Despite the hurt, their connection remains magnetic, beginning a cycle of love, regret, and second chances.
In After We Collided (2020), we witness the aftermath of that betrayal. Tessa tries to move on with her life, diving into a prestigious internship and forming a connection with Trevor, her charming co-worker. Meanwhile, Hardin spirals, tortured by guilt and consumed by jealousy. Their love is no longer just about desire—it’s about whether they can overcome their past. The second film in the series shows a deeper, more grown-up version of their relationship, filled with moments of longing, emotional breakdowns, and fleeting hope. The push and pull between them intensifies, forcing both characters to confront who they really are and what they truly want.
The third installment, After We Fell (2021), brings even more complications. As Tessa prepares to move to Seattle for a job opportunity, Hardin struggles with feelings of abandonment and fear of change. New family revelations further complicate matters, especially when Tessa meets her estranged father, whose sudden return adds more emotional weight. Hardin, too, faces painful truths about his own family, and both begin to question the future they once envisioned. Can they continue to grow together when life seems determined to pull them apart? Or is love simply not enough? The film explores these questions in depth, making it one of the more mature and introspective chapters of the saga.
Then comes After Ever Happy (2022), perhaps the most emotionally charged entry in the series. The film starts where After We Fell ends, with Hardin discovering that the man he thought was his father isn’t. This revelation sends him into a downward spiral, isolating him from everyone—including Tessa. At the same time, Tessa faces her own trauma, including personal loss and the painful realization that loving Hardin might be damaging her sense of self. The two reach a breaking point. For the first time, Tessa considers that love, no matter how deep, might not be worth sacrificing her own happiness and mental health. Still, their story doesn’t end here—there are still lingering feelings and unresolved chapters, paving the way for After Everything.
As we prepare for the final film, After Everything (2023), the stage is set for either closure or reconciliation. Will Tessa and Hardin find their way back to each other one last time, or has too much happened for them to truly heal together? This last movie promises not only to revisit the past but also to show how time, distance, and growth can change everything—even the strongest bonds.
