Introduction
The second installment in the After franchise is ‘After We Collided’, which was released in 2020 and continues to explore the tumultuous love story of Tessa Young and Hardin Scott from the first movie. It is set in a world where Tessa struggles both internally and externally with often extreme versions of passion, obsession,and fury for her partner. The film is directed by Roger Kumble who coper wrote the screenplay with Todd and Mario Celaya. Rather solidifying emotions anger love, among other exhibited human behavior, self destruction takes center stage.
Though critics did not receive this movie well, it appeares fans dont stay away from Tessa’s internal struggles paired with staying helplessly glued to her partner , showcasing relationships filled with chaos as the sheer madness captured audiences attention.
Plot Summary
In this section I would like to talk about we open at the place we left off tessa and hardin living dramatically separate lives after their breakup. As one might say “love is quite blind” and if that’s too much one could also call it beyond foolish, as soon as he moved on from tesal she got an internship at vance publishing whos new corporate world seemed more stable than hardin’s madness which served as an added bonus, tessa quickly began to impress everyone around her through sheer incompetence marking fast upward progression within her new working environment.
At the same time, Hardin tries to manage life without Tessa, turning to drinking, getting into fights, and regressing into a long spiral of self-hatred. He struggles with changeming his ways to win her back. He is driven by her love in much of his development. They once again cross paths, but unresolved issues remain.
In this new chapter, Tessa must juggle her feelings for Hardin with the one growing for Trevor. While trustful Trevor assures safety and emotional intimacy, charismatic Hardin represents passion and intensity. Here lies the core conflict: a deeply chaotic love versus emotional stability.
Estranged parental figures also appear as hurdles. Carol openly disapproves of Hardin and pushes for him out of sight and mind while the father’s sudden return adds new unseen burdens.
Alongside these relationships goes the film’s outline climax: a car accident that causes introspection about his part in Tessa’s life. This teeters the romance off balance when longing to free himself from suffocating tethering means pursuing unconditional release only she can provide afterwards purely as a choice—a not so subtle reverse way to claim dependency done right…so characteristically romantically fulfilling.customarily romantic sculpted towards fiction al prose completing unreal endings euphorically open where nothing is certain yet everything imagines wondrous possibilities untenably beautiful unbound futures riddled shrouded unpredictable endless hope everlastingly euphoric prevalent throughout timeless spine-tingling serenity sneak peeks merely scratching surfaces decaying principles ruled under grotesque decrepit ceilings.
Characters and Performances
Tessa Young (Josephine Langford)
Langford’s performance of Tessa adds emotion to a character who is torn between her thoughts and feelings. She successfully captures the essence of an emerging young woman both fragile and resilient.
Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin)
As previously, Tiffin portrays Hardin as an angry, guilt-ridden complex character full of longing. While some may consider his portrayal one-dimensionally brooding, there is depth through his internal struggle for many fans.
Trevor Matthews (Dylan Sprouse)
Contrast to Hardin is found in Sprouse’s Trevor. Kind, intelligent, and polite, respectful toward women. To Tessa, he offers affection that is different—a kind rooted in trust rather than strife.
Supporting Cast
Selma Blair, Candice King, Shane Paul McGhie, Inanna Sarkis all reprised or expanded roles from the previous film. Their characters help contextualize Tessa’s world while deepening the emotional stakes of the film.
Themes
Toxic Relationships And Emotional Dependence
The focal point of the film rests on the relationship between Tessa and Hardin. The cyclical nature of their relationship embodies emotional codependency. While passionate, their love is toxic in nature and begs consideration about where romance ends and obsession begins.
Healing and Redemption
Both Tessa and Hardin are grappling with personal development. This film examines the impact of past trauma on someone’s behavior, as well as the scope of their potential to change.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Tessa’s journey reflects self-discovery. With a blooming career, friendships, and love interests, she learns what her life goals are, separate from those of Hardin’s.
Forgiveness and Second Chances
Focusing also on forgiveness, this theme is dominant. While seeking redemption, Hardin needs to be forgiven by Tessa who must decide whether to let go and move on or prioritize her tranquility.
Cinematography and Direction
Kumble has directed films classified within Romantic Drama; therefore he has a reputation in that genre. In the film’s decorative style, close ups complemented by warm lighting sharpen intimacy which enhance emotional closeness. The publishing office/bar/hotel rooms are tailored to mirror the character’s emotions as they evolve through the narratives core conflicts.
The film’s style relies heavily on visual motifs. For example: arguments dimly lit while rain-soaked encounters brighten scenes during colorful moments which places emphasis drama. Supporters find these sequences engaging; however many critics remarked that his approach was an exaggeration bordering on kitsch.
Production and Release
Production finishing came in late 2019, with filming taking place in Atlanta, Geogia. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a staggered release strategy for the film, with international markets receiving it in September and North America getting it in October. It was released both in select theatres and on demand video services. Given the circumstances, this dual-release approach proved financially advantageous.
Box Office and Reception
Critics may have scorned the film, but European audiences eagerly embraced it while Americans digitally purchased and rented it enthusiastically. As a result of this unforeseen popularity, the film grossed nearly $48 million dollars worldwide, all while maintaining a modest production budget of $14 million.
The film received overwhelmingly negative reviews revolving around its screenplay, directing monotone style, inability to properly depict romance relations on-screen despite garnering fervid love from its audience. Viewers appreciated chemistry between lead actors along with the emotional story arcs woven throughout it leading the loyal fanbase.
Legacy and Impact
After We Collided perpetuated the After franchise further expanding including sequels After We Fell: After Ever Happy: And After Everything.
These films perpetuate through Tessa and Hardin’s always shifting tug-of-war relationship chronicles their growth as individuals deepening into their abyssal love entwined.
The series epitomizes adaptations from literature to film as ones that are motivated by fans rather than critical recognition. The case at hand showcases the need for romantic stories heavy or centered around emotional aggregation with little to no regard on the actual storytelling structure.
Conclusion
After We Collided is a film that faces criticism and praise all at once. Some argue it portrays an unhealthy obsession, whereas others view it as a sincere trying to navigate a deeply flawed romance entwined in personal trauma. While the film may not be winning any awards for its screenwriting or direction, it does excel at provoking emotion and holding attention.
For lovers of the genre, everything they crave is packaged in this film; elevation of teenage love depicting angst, passion, strife, resolution, and reconciliation. It still manages to be positively or negatively labeled which further promotes discourse surrounding contemporary romance alongside matters concerning one’s emotional maturity and affection’s limits.
Taking the movie first as sheer enjoyment or high-end drama, After We Collided continues championing Tessa and Hardin’s story while exhibiting immense captivating potential with little reasoning.
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