When it comes to the After franchise, emotions have always run high. Over four films, audiences have followed the turbulent romance between Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) and Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a love story marked by passion, heartbreak, and redemption. But as the saga reached its dramatic turning point with After Ever Happy (2022), even the cast knew the conclusion would divide fans.
In a candid interview, Hero Fiennes Tiffin acknowledged what many had already suspected: the ending of After Ever Happy is far from universally satisfying. “I think fans will have mixed reactions,” the actor admitted. “Some people will appreciate the honesty and growth in how things unfold, while others may feel disappointed that it doesn’t tie up in the fairytale way they imagined.”
The fourth installment of the After series takes the central couple to their emotional limits. After years of miscommunication, toxic cycles, and explosive revelations — including shocking truths about Hardin’s family — Tessa and Hardin are forced to confront the reality of their relationship. While their chemistry is undeniable, the film asks whether love alone is enough to sustain them through trauma and self-destruction.
Rather than delivering a conventional “happily ever after,” the ending leans into ambiguity. Tessa chooses to prioritize her own well-being, stepping back from Hardin to reclaim her sense of self. Hardin, meanwhile, is left at a crossroads, facing the difficult task of healing and growing on his own. For audiences who rooted for the pair to overcome every obstacle, the decision may feel jarring. Yet for others, it represents an authentic portrayal of love’s complexity.
Fiennes Tiffin’s comments reflect this delicate balance. “The thing I admire about this story is that it’s not afraid to be messy,” he explained. “Tessa and Hardin’s love is real, but it’s also flawed — and sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone is let them go.”
For longtime fans of Anna Todd’s novels, the cinematic ending mirrors the books’ exploration of growth and separation. Still, adaptations carry their own pressures, and the actor’s remarks underline how challenging it can be to honor the source material while satisfying a global fanbase.
Despite the controversy surrounding its conclusion, After Ever Happy continues to resonate because it refuses to sugarcoat love. It acknowledges that relationships can be both transformative and destructive, and that true happiness sometimes lies in walking away.
As for whether this is truly the end of Tessa and Hardin’s saga, the ambiguity leaves room for speculation — and for the possibility of future installments to provide further closure. But Fiennes Tiffin’s warning stands: fans should be prepared for an ending that challenges expectations.
Ultimately, After Ever Happy closes a chapter while reminding audiences why they were drawn to this story in the first place. It’s passionate, raw, and unapologetically complicated — just like Hardin and Tessa themselves.
