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After Movie Review: Love or Toxic Obsession?

After Movie Review Love or Toxic Obsession

After movie review breaks down the 2019 YA romance hit with steamy highs and drama. Cast, trailer, verdict & more on Tessa and Hardin’s whirlwind.

Introduction

After, the 2019 romance drama adapted from Anna Todd’s Wattpad sensation, follows college freshman Tessa Young’s chaotic love story. Directed by Jenny Gage, it rode massive online hype to box office success despite mixed buzz. Fans devoured its bad-boy-meets-good-girl trope with addictive passion.

Movie Details

DetailInformation
Movie NameAfter
Release DateApril 12, 2019 (US theaters) 
GenreRomance, Drama 
DirectorJenny Gage 
CastJosephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Selma Blair, Inanna Sarkis 
Runtime1h 46m 
LanguageEnglish 
IMDb Rating5.3/10 

Story Overview

Dedicated student Tessa arrives at college with big dreams, a steady boyfriend, and strict plans. Her world flips when she clashes with brooding roommate Hardin Scott, whose tattooed bad-boy allure draws her in despite warnings. Their push-pull dynamic unfolds amid parties, studies, and revelations.​​

Tessa questions her identity as secrets surface and emotions intensify. The narrative captures young love’s highs—stolen kisses, late nights—while hinting at deeper turmoil.

After full movie hooks with familiar yet gripping college romance beats, teasing more in its franchise setup.

Performances & Acting Review

Josephine Langford charms as Tessa, nailing the transition from naive to awakened with relatable vulnerability. Hero Fiennes Tiffin broods effectively as Hardin, channeling brooding intensity that sparks screen fire.

Supporting turns like Selma Blair add warmth; chemistry carries weaker lines. Leads grow stronger in intimate moments.

After cast shines in passion, though inexperience shows in dialogue delivery.

Direction, Cinematography & Music

Jenny Gage directs with glossy YA polish, favoring swoony montages over depth. Pacing rushes conflicts but lingers on romance.

Cinematic shots glow with autumn campuses, dorm glows, and rainy trysts—scope ratio enhances intimacy.

Pop soundtrack pulses with youthful anthems, boosting emotional peaks perfectly.

What Works Well

  • Electric Chemistry: Langford-Tiffin sizzle sells the obsession.
  • Relatable Hooks: College chaos and first-love angst resonate.
  • Visual Flair: Pretty aesthetics make binge-worthy.
  • Franchise Starter: Cliffhanger demands sequels.

These fuel After trailer views in millions.​

What Could Have Been Better

Plot recycles tropes lazily, glamorizing toxicity without critique. Dialogue clunks with clichés.

Rushed arcs leave characters flat; critics noted abusive vibes unaddressed.

Predictability plagues twists for book readers.

Official Trailer

Audience Reaction & IMDb Rating

Teens adore the fantasy—IMDb 5.3/10 from 74K votes reflects divide. Fans gush chemistry; detractors slam clichés, toxicity.

Grossed $69M on $14M budget, spawning sequels via fan frenzy.

Final Verdict

After delivers swoony escapism for YA romance lovers but falters on originality and nuance. Fun guilty pleasure—6/10.

FAQs

What is After movie plot?

Good-girl Tessa falls for mysterious Hardin in college, sparking turbulent romance.

Who is in After cast?

Josephine Langford (Tessa), Hero Fiennes Tiffin (Hardin), Selma Blair.

Where to stream After full movie?

Netflix, rent/buy on Fandango at Home.

Does After have sequels?

Yes, After We Collided and more.

Is After based on a book?

Wattpad series by Anna Todd.

Conclusion

Unpack After movie review’s drama—stream today and feel the rush. What’s your Tessa-Hardin verdict? Comment, like, subscribe for reviews!

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