Fans of the After series were left stunned after the latest film, After Everything, delivered an unexpected continuation of the tumultuous love story between Hardin Scott and Tessa Young. The Netflix movie, which picks up after the events of After Ever Happy, explores the aftermath of their breakup and takes viewers on an emotional journey neither predicted.
In the story, Hardin struggles deeply following the end of his relationship with Tessa. After she discovers that he published a book revealing private details about their life together without her consent, she walks away, leaving him heartbroken and directionless. Hardin tries to cope by throwing himself into writing his second novel, but instead finds himself grappling with his feelings and personal demons.
During this period of self-reflection, Hardin seeks closure with people from his past and even attempts to apologise to a former partner whose life he once disrupted. However, it is a family wedding — that of his stepbrother Landon — that becomes a pivotal moment for his emotional growth. At the event, Hardin delivers a heartfelt speech acknowledging his past mistakes and expressing how much Tessa meant to him, which resonates deeply with her.
The chemistry between the two reignites, and in a moment that surprised many viewers, Hardin proposes to Tessa. She accepts, suggesting that after all their struggles, their bond may still be unbreakable. The film then flashes forward to reveal glimpses of their future — portraying them living together with a daughter and expecting another child — offering fans a glimpse of a hopeful ending to their love story.
Despite the dramatic reconciliation on screen, it’s important to note that the actors portraying Hardin and Tessa — Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Josephine Langford — remain close friends off-camera and are not a real-life couple. Both have clarified in past interviews that their on-screen chemistry should not be interpreted as a romantic relationship in real life.
After Everything has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with many praising the emotional growth depicted in the characters, while others feel the story continues to romanticize unhealthy relationship dynamics. Regardless, the film remains a trending topic among the franchise’s global fanbase.