After (2019)

After (2019), directed by Jenny Gage, is a romantic drama based on Anna Todd’s hugely popular Wattpad/novel series. It’s the first installment in the After film franchise, diving into the complicated, sometimes toxic, relationship between good-girl college freshman Tessa Young and the mysterious bad boy Hardin Scott. Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of the movie, including plot, cast, ending, and everything in between.

Detailed Summary

Tessa’s New Beginning

Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) starts her freshman year at college. She’s the model student—responsible, organized, and in a long-term relationship with her high school sweetheart, Noah. Moving into her dorm, she quickly realizes college life is far less predictable than she imagined. Her new roommate is Steph, a wild, free-spirited girl who introduces her to a different lifestyle.

Meeting Hardin Scott

At a party, Tessa meets Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a brooding, tattooed British student who immediately stands out as arrogant and mysterious. Their first encounters are full of tension, as Hardin challenges Tessa’s views and mocks her innocence. Yet, there’s undeniable chemistry between them.

The Push and Pull

The middle part of the film focuses on the on-again, off-again dynamic between Tessa and Hardin. They share heated arguments, deep conversations about literature, and moments of undeniable attraction. Tessa starts pulling away from Noah as her feelings for Hardin deepen. Meanwhile, Hardin slowly reveals his troubled past and emotional wounds, which partially explains his guarded, sometimes toxic behavior.

Secrets and Betrayal

Just as Tessa begins to fully trust Hardin and gives herself to him, she learns the devastating truth: Hardin initially pursued her because of a cruel bet he made with his friends—to seduce her and take her virginity. Though Hardin has genuinely fallen for her by this point, the revelation shatters Tessa.

Movie Ending

The climax centers on Tessa’s discovery of Hardin’s betrayal. She feels completely humiliated, heartbroken, and angry—not only because of the bet itself but because she trusted Hardin more than anyone else. She walks away from him, questioning everything about their relationship.

The movie ends on a bittersweet note. Tessa distances herself from Hardin, moves back toward her academic life, and tries to reconnect with who she was before him. However, the final scenes suggest unfinished business: Hardin writes a heartfelt confession, admitting how much he has fallen in love with Tessa despite the bet. The film closes with her reading his words, leaving viewers with the question: Will she forgive him?

It’s an open-ended finish designed to set up the sequels, showing that while the chapter of their romance is damaged, their story is far from over.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. After (2019) does not include a post-credits scene. The story ends with Hardin’s letter, leading directly into the continuation of the series in After We Collided (2020).

Type of Movie

Romantic drama with strong elements of coming-of-age and contemporary teen romance. It leans heavily into melodrama and emotional highs and lows.

Cast

• Josephine Langford as Tessa Young
• Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott
• Selma Blair as Carol Young (Tessa’s mother)
• Shane Paul McGhie as Landon Gibson
• Khadijha Red Thunder as Steph Jones
• Inanna Sarkis as Molly Samuels
• Dylan Arnold as Noah Porter

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack features a mix of indie, pop, and emotional tracks rather than a single defining composer score. Songs like “Out of Love” by Alessia Cara and “Bitter Love” by Pia Mia underscore the romantic and dramatic beats. Music is a major tool in setting the tone of Tessa and Hardin’s evolving relationship.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. While not globally iconic locations, the choice of Georgia allowed for versatile shooting—campus scenes, suburban homes, and atmospheric party settings. The locations give the film a realistic, grounded feel, relatable to the college experience.

Awards and Nominations

The film did not receive major awards but was recognized in fan-driven awards shows due to its popularity with young audiences. Notably:

• Won Teen Choice Award for Choice Drama Movie (2019)
• Nominated for E! People’s Choice Awards in categories like Favorite Drama Movie Star.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Hero Fiennes Tiffin is the nephew of Ralph Fiennes, famous for playing Voldemort in Harry Potter.
• Josephine Langford landed the role only a week before filming started.
• Anna Todd, the original author, has a cameo in the film as a waitress.
• The novel was originally a Wattpad fanfiction inspired by One Direction’s Harry Styles.

Inspirations and References

• Inspired by Anna Todd’s After book series, which itself began as Harry Styles fanfiction.
• The character Hardin Scott is essentially a reimagined version of Styles, though much darker and more emotionally damaged in the movie.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While no alternate ending was shot, fans noted that certain book scenes were toned down for the movie to appeal to a PG-13 audience. For example, Hardin’s darker behavior and more toxic moments in the book were softened.

Book Adaptations and Differences

• In the book, the betrayal (the bet) is harsher, and the fallout is more intense.
• Tessa’s relationship with her mother and Noah is more deeply explored in the novel.
• The movie condenses the timeline significantly—events that spanned months in the book occur within weeks in the film.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Tessa’s first college party where she meets Hardin.
• The intimate library scene where their relationship takes a turn.
• The reveal of Hardin’s bet.
• The final letter written by Hardin.

Iconic Quotes

• Hardin: “Just because he makes you happy doesn’t mean he’s the one.”
• Tessa: “You’re my whole world.”
• Hardin (letter): “I am consumed by you, Tessa. And I will spend my life trying to deserve you.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Author Anna Todd’s cameo is a wink to longtime readers.
• References to British literature (Hardin’s favorite books include Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice), subtly reflecting his personality.
• Landon’s character foreshadows important connections for later sequels, though not fully explored in this first film.

Trivia

• The film was produced on a relatively small budget (about $14 million) but grossed over $69 million worldwide.
• Josephine Langford is the younger sister of Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why).
• Hero Fiennes Tiffin had to audition multiple times before landing the role of Hardin.

Why Watch?

Watch After if you’re into romance movies filled with tension, drama, and an addictive love/hate dynamic. It’s a guilty pleasure kind of film that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a rollercoaster of passion and heartbreak.

Director’s Other Movies

Jenny Gage’s work is mostly in documentary and indie filmmaking. Other works include:

• All This Panic (2016, documentary)
• Lenny (2012, short documentary)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Kissing Booth (2018)
• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
• Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
• Beautiful Disaster (2023)
• Endless Love (2014)