Netflix has officially dropped After Ever Happy, the fourth installment in the wildly popular After film series, and fans of the steamy romance franchise are already debating whether it’s worth their time. Adapted from Anna Todd’s bestselling novels, the film continues the tumultuous love story of Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) and Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a couple whose relationship has been marked by passion, conflict, and emotional whiplash.
At its core, After Ever Happy is an exploration of love tested by secrets, family trauma, and the difficulty of growing together when both partners are still coming of age. The story picks up right where After We Fell left off, with Hardin reeling from the shocking revelation about his family, and Tessa attempting to find her footing amid the chaos. Their journey through heartbreak, forgiveness, and reconciliation remains the heartbeat of the series.
From a cinematic perspective, the movie doubles down on the elements that have made the franchise a guilty pleasure for millions: smoldering chemistry, emotional intensity, and a relentless cycle of breakups and makeups. Director Castille Landon leans into the melodrama, giving fans exactly what they’ve come to expect—plenty of fiery confrontations, tender reconciliations, and of course, more than a few intimate moments.
Josephine Langford once again carries much of the film’s emotional weight as Tessa, portraying her character’s vulnerability and resilience with quiet strength. Hero Fiennes Tiffin, meanwhile, brings brooding intensity to Hardin, whose journey toward self-discovery and healing is central to this chapter. While their dynamic can at times feel repetitive, the actors’ chemistry is undeniable, keeping audiences invested in the fate of their relationship.
Critics may point out that After Ever Happy often treads familiar ground. The back-and-forth between the leads can feel cyclical, and some plot points unfold in predictable ways. Yet for longtime fans, that’s part of the appeal. The series thrives on its heightened drama and emotional rollercoaster, offering a form of escapism that is unapologetically indulgent.
What sets this installment apart is its attempt to dig deeper into the characters’ personal struggles. Hardin’s confrontation with his past, particularly his strained relationship with his family, adds new layers to his brooding persona. Tessa, meanwhile, grapples with her own heartbreak and difficult choices, highlighting her evolution from the wide-eyed college student introduced in the first film to a woman fighting for her own identity.
As with previous entries, the soundtrack amplifies the film’s emotional beats, combining moody ballads with fiery tracks that underscore the intensity of the couple’s romance. The cinematography, drenched in soft lighting and atmospheric tones, mirrors the emotional turbulence on screen.
So, should you stream it or skip it? If you’ve followed the After series this far, After Ever Happy delivers exactly what you’re looking for: another dramatic, passionate, and sometimes frustrating chapter in Tessa and Hardin’s saga. For newcomers, however, jumping in at this point may feel disorienting without the emotional context of the earlier films.
Ultimately, After Ever Happy is not designed to win over skeptics. It’s a film made squarely for fans who crave more of the intoxicating push-and-pull dynamic between its leads. For that audience, it’s a must-watch. For everyone else, it might be a skip.
