When emotions run high and love gets messy, some stories dive into the chaos with full force, and After We Collided does just that. Directed by Roger Kumble, this 2020 romantic drama continues the saga of Tessa Young, played by Josephine Langford, and Hardin Scott, portrayed by Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Set primarily in college and its surrounding urban life, the movie is a classic romance-drama, picking up where its predecessor, After, left off. The sequel amplifies the intensity of love, heartbreak, and tumultuous emotions that come with an unstable relationship, blending youthful energy with adult dilemmas.
The plot begins in the aftermath of Tessa and Hardin’s turbulent breakup, following the revelation of Hardin’s past mistakes. Tessa is now working as an intern at Vance Publishing and trying to distance herself from Hardin. She is determined to rebuild her life, but her connection to Hardin keeps pulling her back into his orbit. As she tries to navigate her feelings for him, the movie explores their attempts to either mend their broken relationship or move on. Meanwhile, new characters enter the fray, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. The plot moves through emotional peaks and valleys as the pair clash, reconcile, and clash again, leaving viewers on edge about the future of their romance.
One of the strongest aspects of After We Collided is the chemistry between Josephine and Hero. They manage to convey the fiery tension and deep attraction that defines their on-screen relationship. Josephine’s portrayal of Tessa shows more maturity in this installment; her character has grown from a naive college freshman to a young woman grappling with difficult emotions and adult responsibilities. Josephine handles Tessa’s internal struggles with grace, making her relatable as she faces real-life issues like self-worth, independence, and emotional vulnerability. Hero, on the other hand, leans further into Hardin’s brooding and troubled persona. His portrayal of Hardin’s darker side—his guilt, his anger, and his deep emotional wounds—feels genuine, though at times a bit repetitive. Still, the way the two actors play off each other is one of the main reasons the film keeps viewers engaged despite some narrative flaws.
Visually, the film is well-crafted. Roger Kumble’s direction ensures that the emotional tone of each scene is emphasized through intimate close-ups and effective use of lighting. Cinematographer Larry Reibman employs soft lighting during tender moments, creating a dreamy atmosphere, while harsher lighting highlights the couple’s more intense arguments. The club scenes and city landscapes are shot with a stylish flair, adding a sense of modernity and vibrancy to the story. However, while the cinematography elevates certain scenes, it doesn’t particularly stand out as groundbreaking. It’s functional and pleasant, but the visuals mainly serve as a backdrop for the drama rather than contributing significantly to the film’s emotional depth.
The soundtrack, curated to match the highs and lows of Tessa and Hardin’s tumultuous relationship, is a key component in setting the mood. With songs from artists like Blackbear and Dove Cameron, the music punctuates the emotional intensity of the film. While some tracks heighten the drama of key moments, others feel a bit too on-the-nose, making certain scenes feel more like a music video than part of a cohesive narrative. Still, the soundtrack is undeniably catchy, and it will likely resonate with the film’s target audience, enhancing the overall emotional impact.
The movie also delves deeper into Hardin’s backstory, offering a better understanding of why he acts the way he does. Through flashbacks and confessions, we learn more about his traumatic past and the emotional scars he carries. While this adds depth to his character, it also borders on melodrama at times. The emotional revelations are dramatic, but they don’t always feel earned. It’s a familiar trope—using a dark past to justify bad behavior—and while Hero does his best to give Hardin layers, the script often reduces his emotional complexity to a series of angsty outbursts and apologies.
One notable improvement in this sequel is the pace. Unlike the first film, which dragged at times, After We Collided moves quickly through its various plot points, keeping the viewer engaged. The addition of new characters, like Dylan Sprouse’s Trevor Matthews, adds fresh energy to the film. Dylan’s portrayal of Trevor, a stable and reliable coworker of Tessa’s, provides a stark contrast to Hardin’s volatile nature. His scenes with Tessa introduce a different kind of tension, one rooted in the possibility of a healthier relationship, even if it never quite takes off. This dynamic helps the movie explore whether love should always be passionate and intense, or if something more stable and secure might be the better option.
On the downside, After We Collided sometimes leans too heavily into melodrama. While the push-pull dynamic between Tessa and Hardin keeps things exciting, it also starts to feel repetitive as they cycle through the same issues again and again. The film is filled with big emotional moments—heartfelt declarations, explosive fights, and tearful reconciliations—but after a while, they begin to lose their impact. The story seems to be running in circles, with little resolution to the couple’s core issues.
Overall, After We Collided is a step up from the first film in terms of pacing, intensity, and character development. It’s an entertaining watch for fans of the series or those who enjoy a dramatic, emotionally charged romance. However, the movie still struggles with some of the same issues that plagued its predecessor—namely, a tendency to rely on melodramatic clichés and repetitive conflicts. That being said, Josephine and Hero’s chemistry is undeniable, and it’s their performances that carry the film through its more predictable moments.
For viewers who enjoy romantic dramas that are heavy on emotion and light on subtlety, After We Collided will deliver. It’s not a film that breaks new ground in the genre, but it knows its audience and gives them what they came for—passion, heartbreak, and a love story that feels larger than life. Those who are looking for a more nuanced exploration of relationships may find the film lacking in depth, but fans of the source material and of intense, rollercoaster romances will likely walk away satisfied.
