After We Collided (2020)

After We Collided (2020) is the second installment in the After film series, based on Anna Todd’s bestselling novels. Directed by Roger Kumble, the film dives deeper into the fiery, toxic, and passionate relationship between Tessa and Hardin. This sequel ramps up the drama, adding new characters, new secrets, and even more complicated emotions.

Detailed Summary

Tessa’s New Beginning

The story picks up after the explosive breakup of Tessa (Josephine Langford) and Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). Tessa tries to move forward with her life by starting an internship at Vance Publishing, where she impresses her boss, Christian Vance (Charlie Weber), with her hard work. She also grows closer to her co-worker Trevor Matthews (Dylan Sprouse), who becomes a potential romantic interest.

Hardin’s Struggles

Hardin, meanwhile, spirals into drinking and anger issues after losing Tessa. Despite his destructive tendencies, he continues to pursue her, struggling to prove that he’s capable of change. Their relationship remains unstable, full of passion but constantly shadowed by Hardin’s past and toxic habits.

The Push and Pull

The film continues to explore the push-and-pull dynamic between Tessa and Hardin. Tessa attends a work event in Seattle with Trevor, leading to jealousy and heated confrontations with Hardin. At the same time, Hardin reveals more about his traumatic past, including his strained relationship with his family, which partly explains his dark, self-destructive behavior.

Family Secrets and Emotional Conflicts

As Tessa navigates her work life, new friendships, and the complicated bond she still shares with Hardin, more secrets emerge. Hardin’s struggles with abandonment and trauma play a central role, and Tessa finds herself torn between moving forward with a healthier path or falling back into the passion she can’t seem to let go of.

Movie Ending

The film ends on a dramatic cliffhanger. After an emotional rollercoaster of reconciliations and breakups, Tessa and Hardin’s relationship seems to be stabilizing once again. But the ending throws in a shocking twist: Hardin is confronted with a major family revelation involving Christian Vance, suggesting that there are secrets about his father and family background that he never knew.

Meanwhile, Tessa’s career is moving forward, but her emotional life is tangled more than ever. Just when the audience believes Tessa and Hardin might finally find stability, the cliffhanger ending reminds viewers that their story is far from over. This sets up the tension and intrigue for the next installment in the series.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, After We Collided does not have any post-credits scenes. Once the movie ends, the story leaves viewers with its dramatic cliffhanger, pushing them to look forward to the next film in the series.

Type of Movie

The film is a romantic drama with elements of teen romance and melodrama, catering to fans of passionate, high-stakes love stories.

Cast

• Josephine Langford as Tessa Young
• Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott
• Dylan Sprouse as Trevor Matthews
• Louise Lombard as Trish Daniels
• Charlie Weber as Christian Vance
• Candice King as Kimberly Vance
• Selma Blair as Carol Young

Film Music and Composer

The film features a soundtrack filled with contemporary pop and alternative tracks, enhancing its emotional tone. While the film doesn’t lean heavily on a single composer’s score, its music choices (such as tracks from The Chainsmokers and others) serve as emotional backdrops to Tessa and Hardin’s chaotic relationship.

Filming Locations

After We Collided was shot in Atlanta, Georgia. The city’s versatile urban and suburban settings provided locations for both the college scenes and the professional environment of Vance Publishing. The filming environment played an important role in grounding the emotional whirlwind in familiar, everyday settings.

Awards and Nominations

The film didn’t make waves at major award ceremonies but became a fan-favorite among younger audiences. Its recognition primarily came from popularity-based awards and social media buzz rather than critical acclaim.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Dylan Sprouse was brought in as Trevor, adding a new layer of tension and giving Tessa a believable alternative to Hardin.
• Director Roger Kumble, known for Cruel Intentions, leaned into melodrama and intensity to give the film a soap-opera-like atmosphere.
• Fans of the book were heavily involved in shaping the film’s popularity through social media campaigns.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on Anna Todd’s “After” book series, which itself began as One Direction fan fiction published on Wattpad. Hardin’s character was originally inspired by Harry Styles, though the story has evolved into its own dramatic saga.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While the film doesn’t have a widely known alternate ending, some deleted or shortened scenes involved more interactions between Tessa and Trevor, emphasizing their possible romantic tension. These were trimmed to keep the central focus on Tessa and Hardin’s relationship.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Compared to the book After We Collided, the movie condenses many subplots and secondary characters. The book delves deeper into Hardin’s personal trauma and Tessa’s growth as an independent individual, while the film focuses more heavily on the couple’s intense arguments and reconciliations.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Tessa’s drunken night out, which shows a different, freer side of her personality.
• The hotel scene with Trevor, where Hardin’s jealousy explodes.
• Hardin’s breakdown after learning more about his family history.

Iconic Quotes

• Tessa: “Just because he can’t love you the way you want doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you with everything he has.”
• Hardin: “I don’t deserve you, but I need you.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Fans of the book noticed small nods to the original Wattpad version in dialogue and character dynamics.
• Several locations in the movie mirror descriptions from Anna Todd’s novels to satisfy longtime readers.

Trivia

• Josephine Langford initially hesitated to join the franchise due to its massive online following but embraced the role once she read the script.
• Dylan Sprouse’s casting as Trevor was widely celebrated, as fans appreciated his more grounded, opposite-to-Hardin character.
• The film became a streaming sensation, finding a second wave of popularity online after its theatrical run.

Why Watch?

If you’re into intense romantic drama, messy relationships, and cliffhangers that leave you begging for the sequel, this movie is worth watching. It’s not about subtlety—it’s about passion, chaos, and the rollercoaster of first love.

Director’s Other Movies

• Cruel Intentions (1999)
• The Sweetest Thing (2002)
• College Road Trip (2008)

Recommended Films for Fans

• After (2019) – the first film in the series
• After We Fell (2021) – the next chapter
• Twilight (2008)
• The Kissing Booth (2018)
• Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)