After We Collided (2020) is a romantic drama that continues the passionate, often turbulent, relationship between Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) and Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), the beloved couple from the After series. Directed by Roger Kumble, this sequel dives deeper into the complexities of love, betrayal, and personal growth, offering fans of the first film a continuation of the intense emotions and drama they crave. As Tessa and Hardin’s relationship reaches new highs and lows, After We Collided becomes a film about the sacrifices one makes for love and the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies it.

Plot Overview: The Chaos of Love

At the heart of After We Collided is the intense and often destructive relationship between Tessa and Hardin. At the beginning of the film, Tessa is working hard to move on from the heartbreak and emotional turmoil caused by her previous relationship with Hardin. She’s now started a new chapter in her life, focusing on her career and her future. However, as is typical in the world of After, moving on is far easier said than done.

Hardin, unable to let go of Tessa, reappears in her life, bringing with him his usual mix of charm, passion, and deep-seated anger. Despite the personal growth Tessa has made, she finds herself irresistibly drawn back to Hardin, who refuses to accept the breakup. After We Collided showcases the complexity of modern relationships, where past emotional baggage and new obstacles prevent the characters from fully letting go of each other. The film doesn’t just focus on romance—it explores the consequences of love and obsession, bringing a refreshing yet tumultuous take on young love in the process.

The plot deepens as Tessa starts to find herself torn between staying in a relationship with Hardin, who promises to change but continues to fall short, and the possibility of a new love with Trevor (Dylan Sprouse). Trevor’s arrival in Tessa’s life offers a possible escape from the toxic hold Hardin has on her, but the tension and pull between Tessa and Hardin remain undeniable. Throughout the film, Tessa’s internal battle between her love for Hardin and her desire to move on provides much of the emotional drive.

Themes of Love, Trauma, and Growth

One of the central themes in After We Collided is the destructive nature of obsessive love and the trauma it can inflict on both partners. The film doesn’t shy away from showing how love can be all-consuming—where every action and decision is influenced by deep emotional attachment. The characters of Tessa and Hardin struggle with their emotional scars, particularly Hardin, whose troubled past and unresolved issues shape his current actions. As the film progresses, the audience is forced to grapple with the consequences of the emotional trauma that both Tessa and Hardin carry.

In contrast to this toxic side of love, After We Collided also highlights the idea of personal growth and self-discovery. Tessa begins to realize that she deserves more than the emotional chaos Hardin brings into her life. While her love for him is undeniable, Tessa’s journey in the film is about learning to stand up for herself and her needs. The emotional conflict in the film mirrors real-life struggles where love, trauma, and personal growth are often intricately intertwined. After We Collided doesn’t just show the highs of young love—it equally explores the painful lows that come when that love becomes toxic or one-sided.

Stellar Performances and Character Development

One of the defining features of After We Collided is the standout performances by the cast. Josephine Langford, reprising her role as Tessa, delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman caught between love and self-preservation. Langford skillfully portrays Tessa’s internal conflict, allowing the audience to empathize with her emotional struggles. Throughout the film, Tessa evolves from someone who seeks comfort in a toxic relationship to a strong woman learning how to navigate her emotions and make decisions for her own well-being. Langford’s performance is a testament to the character’s growth and serves as a relatable portrayal of someone seeking self-empowerment.

Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who plays Hardin, once again embodies the troubled, intense character fans have come to know and love. Hardin’s pain and internal turmoil are evident in every scene, adding depth to his character. However, while his passion and intensity are undeniable, After We Collided doesn’t let him off the hook for his actions. The film asks hard questions about the nature of love and whether someone like Hardin is capable of changing for the better. Fiennes Tiffin’s portrayal captures the complexities of this character, highlighting his flaws while also showcasing his vulnerability.

Dylan Sprouse, who plays Trevor, adds a new dynamic to the film, offering a contrast to Hardin’s chaotic nature. Trevor represents a safer, more stable potential partner for Tessa, someone who sees her for who she truly is and encourages her to pursue her dreams without getting tangled in unnecessary drama. While Trevor may not have the same fiery chemistry with Tessa as Hardin does, his presence in the film is an important reminder that not all love is born from chaos and intensity.

The Direction and Cinematography of After We Collided

Roger Kumble’s direction brings a level of depth to After We Collided that goes beyond the surface-level drama. Kumble understands the essence of the After franchise and captures the raw emotions that fuel the characters’ relationships. The pacing of the film ensures that the audience feels the intensity of the characters’ struggles without overwhelming them with too much drama at once. While the film deals with serious themes, it also manages to inject moments of humor and lightness, offering a balance between heavy emotional moments and fleeting moments of joy.

Cinematographically, After We Collided uses a mixture of close-up shots and wide-angle scenes to capture the characters’ emotions and the dynamic between them. The film’s visual style emphasizes the intimacy of Tessa and Hardin’s relationship while also showcasing the emotional distance that can form between them. The use of lighting and color also adds layers to the film, with darker tones representing the more painful moments and lighter shades reflecting the hope for change and growth.

The Impact of After We Collided on Young Adult Drama

After We Collided may follow a familiar formula, but it does so with a fresh perspective on the complexities of young adult relationships. The film captures the emotional turbulence of navigating love, personal identity, and the difficult choices that come with growing up. While some might argue that the film relies on the trope of a “bad boy” romance, it’s important to recognize the deeper themes of personal growth, self-empowerment, and the importance of making decisions that align with one’s own well-being.

For fans of the After series, After We Collided is a necessary continuation of the story that captures both the exhilaration and the emotional chaos of love. The film makes us question what we are willing to sacrifice for the ones we love and whether love should always be the driving force behind our decisions.

Conclusion: A Film That Strikes the Right Chord with Fans of Romantic Drama

In conclusion, After We Collided (2020) is a powerful addition to the After franchise. With its compelling performances, emotional depth, and exploration of the complexities of young love, the film strikes a chord with fans of romantic dramas. The film doesn’t shy away from the tough realities of relationships—showing both the beauty and the pain that come with falling in love. For Tessa and Hardin, their journey is far from over, and as After We Collided reveals, love is not always a smooth ride. Instead, it is full of bumps, bruises, and moments of self-discovery.

After We Collided is a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship. It’s a reminder that love, while powerful, can also be messy, challenging, and ultimately transformative.