Navigating the Tempestuous Tides: The Correct Order to Watch the After Movies
The "After" movie saga, born from Anna Todd's popular fanfiction, is a whirlwind of teenage angst, forbidden love, and questionable decisions. For those brave enough to embark on this journey through Hardin Scott's brooding gaze and Tessa Young's wide-eyed innocence, the question arises: what is the correct order to watch these films? While seemingly simple, deviating from the chronological path can lead to narrative confusion and a diminished appreciation for the, admittedly convoluted, emotional arcs of our star-crossed lovers. So, let us chart a course through the tempestuous tides of "After," ensuring a viewing experience as coherent as possible.
The journey begins, unsurprisingly, with "After" (2019). This is the foundational text, the origin story, the very precipice from which Tessa, our innocent freshman, tumbles headfirst into the intoxicating and destructive world of Hardin Scott. Watching this first allows us to witness the initial spark, the naive attraction that defies all logic. We see Tessa's transformation from bookish and reserved to a young woman grappling with newfound desires and rebellious inclinations. It’s essential to understand the initial innocence and the shock of Hardin's manipulative "game" to truly grasp the ramifications that follow. Starting anywhere else would be akin to jumping into the middle of a soap opera and expecting to understand the tangled web of relationships.
Next, we plunge into the depths of "After We Collided" (2020). Picking up immediately after the devastating revelation of Hardin's betrayal, this film explores the aftermath of broken trust and the attempts, both genuine and forced, at reconciliation. We see Tessa grapple with the pain and betrayal, trying to build a life independent of Hardin, while he desperately tries to win her back. This film is crucial because it introduces key supporting characters like Trevor, who provide alternative perspectives and further complicate the already messy dynamics. Watching this in the correct order emphasizes the cyclical nature of Hardin and Tessa's relationship, the push and pull that defines their volatile connection.
Third in our viewing order is "After We Fell" (2021). Now, the stakes are raised, and the geographical distance between Tessa and Hardin increases as she prepares to move to Seattle for a new job. This installment dives deeper into the complexities of Hardin's past and his internal struggles. We see him confronting his demons, albeit in a somewhat melodramatic fashion, and trying to evolve into a better version of himself. Watching "After We Fell" after the previous two films allows us to appreciate the slow, incremental progress (or lack thereof) Hardin makes in his journey. It also sets the stage for the potential future that lies ahead, one fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
Following the path of tumultuous love, we arrive at "After Ever Happy" (2022). This film further explores the secrets that have been buried deep within both Hardin and Tessa's families, adding layers of complexity to their already complicated relationship. We witness their resilience as they navigate these newfound revelations and attempt to build a lasting future together. By this point, the viewer is either completely invested in the rollercoaster of their love or utterly exhausted by it, but either way, watching this film after the preceding ones provides the necessary context to understand the weight of their shared history and the sacrifices they make for one another.
Finally, we reach the newest addition to the saga, "After Everything" (2023). This installment takes place after the events of "After Ever Happy" and follows Hardin as he grapples with writer's block and revisits his past in an attempt to move forward. While Tessa's presence is lessened in this film, her impact on Hardin's life and his journey towards self-discovery remains central to the plot. Watching this last allows for a sense of closure, a feeling that we've witnessed Hardin's evolution (for better or worse) and have a glimpse into the potential future that awaits him, regardless of whether Tessa is by his side.
In conclusion, while the "After" movies might not be cinematic masterpieces, understanding the correct viewing order is crucial for anyone looking to follow the turbulent relationship of Hardin and Tessa. Beginning with "After" and progressing chronologically through each subsequent film allows for a more coherent understanding of the narrative, the character arcs, and the cyclical nature of their love. By navigating the tempestuous tides in the correct order, one can truly appreciate the, albeit melodramatic, journey of these star-crossed lovers, even if it's just for the guilty pleasure of watching their messy, passionate, and often infuriating romance unfold.
