Less than a year after the release of the third installment of the “After” series, I willingly purchased tickets to the premiere of the fourth movie, “After Ever Happy.” I stepped into the theater well aware that the plot would be weak, the relationship between Tessa (Josephine Langford, “Moxie”) and Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin, “First Love”) would be exhausting and the film would end in yet another unexciting cliffhanger that will inevitably drag me back next year for round five.
Why am I involved in this never-ending cycle? It’s definitely not because of the films’ quality, which has proven to lack significant meaning and engaging characters in the past. But the “After” series is one of my last connections to the One Direction fandom. “After” originated as fanfiction published on Wattpad by Anna Todd. Directioners would lie awake at night on their iPod touches, scrolling vigorously to read the newest chapter. Now, we sit in theaters, reunited with the poor storyline and the very slight resemblance Fiennes Tiffin has to Harry Styles. Knowing the origin of the “After” series is enough to keep me coming back, even if it’s out of obligation.
“After Ever Happy” once again focuses on the toxic relationship between destructive bad-boy Hardin and good-girl Tessa as they navigate their post-college lives. Their lives seem to be in a never-ending downward spiral. Hardin discovers who his real father is, prompting him to burn his mother’s apartment down. Just a couple of days later, Tessa finds her father dead on her bathroom floor following an overdose. Tragedies like these are mere casualties in the “After” series.
There’s really no plot to summarize — Hardin and Tessa take a few breaks from each other that ultimately lead them back together to have more sex. If the films are so lackluster, one may wonder why the fifth film is already confirmed. I can’t speak for everyone in the theater, but by the laughter coming from all corners and the looks of the crowd (mostly girls in their early 20s), I can confidently say most people came for the same reasons as I did — the nostalgia. There’s nothing more ridiculous than knowing that fanfiction you once read in your bedroom as a 12-year-old is playing on the big screen. It’s so messy that you simply cannot look away.
The previous “After” film, “After We Fell,” had issues bringing back the actors from the previous films. Although there weren’t as many drop-offs this time around, Tessa’s mother, previously played by Selma Blair, was recast as Mira Sorvino (“Mighty Aphrodite”). It seems like every time one of these films comes out, there’s a moment in the theater where I am simply confused. It takes a second to readjust to the new actress, and it throws off the already subpar plot. The “After” series cannot seem to hold onto its talent, and that’s only a small part of thelarger canvas of problems for viewers in terms of engagement.
Langford’s performance is one of the better ones, but she becomes almost unbearable to watch as Tessa, who seems to have no thoughts of her own in any of the films. I found this particularly frustrating in “After Ever Happy.” When Hardin burns his mother’s apartment down, Tessa simply acts as his getaway car. She finally drives far enough away that they can pull over. What happens next? You guessed it, more sex.
Although Hardin is almost always in the wrong, we still see Tessa as the one struggling at the end, chasing him. It’s frustrating to see Hardin’s success story and Tessa’s downfall when it seems like it should be the other way around. Tessa is reduced to nothing without Hardin, but I guess that’s what was written on Wattpad. No one would have liked to read the collapse of Harry Styles in the early 2010s. I know I wouldn’t have. Still, Tessa’s lack of independence and control seems much more real on full display in the film, regardless of the viewer’s knowledge of the original fanfiction.
I found myself getting frustrated in the theater, but I was instantly reminded by the giggles surrounding me of why I was there — not for quality, but for community. The trajectory the films have taken is so ridiculous it’s laughable, and we all know the reason the “After” series has seen any success at all: the One Direction fandom reuniting several years after the band announced their hiatus.
So when I see “To be continued…” appear on the screen after an anti-climatic ending, I’m not mad. I thank the “After” series for doing its job of bringing a community back together, even if it’s with toxic sex scenes and a weak narrative.
Daily Arts Writer Laura Millar can be reached at lamillar@umich.edu.
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As a devoted enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the "After" series and its origins, let me establish my credibility before delving into the concepts highlighted in the provided article. I possess an in-depth knowledge of the series, its evolution from Wattpad fanfiction to cinematic production, and its unique connection to the One Direction fandom.
The "After" series, originally penned by Anna Todd on Wattpad, garnered a massive following within the One Direction fandom, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Directioners were captivated by the narrative, engaging with each chapter eagerly. Now, with the release of the fourth installment, "After Ever Happy," the series has transitioned from its fanfiction roots to a major cinematic franchise.
The article reflects on the reasons behind the author's continued engagement with the series despite acknowledging its perceived shortcomings. It explores the nostalgia associated with the series, emphasizing its origin as a fanfiction within the One Direction community. The narrative quality, character engagement, and plot structure are criticized, yet the article acknowledges a persistent audience drawn to the films for the sake of nostalgia and community.
Key Concepts Explored in the Article:
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Origins and Nostalgia: The "After" series originated as fanfiction on Wattpad within the One Direction fandom. The article highlights the nostalgia factor, where fans, now older, continue to engage with the series due to its roots in their shared fandom experience.
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Plot Critique: The article provides a critical assessment of the plot, character dynamics, and narrative structure in the latest installment, "After Ever Happy." It notes the lack of substantial plot elements, the repetitive nature of the central relationship between Tessa and Hardin, and the reliance on unexciting cliffhangers.
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Community and Engagement: Despite acknowledging the perceived shortcomings of the series, the article explores the communal aspect of the "After" experience. The audience, primarily consisting of young women in their early 20s, is depicted as deriving enjoyment from the shared experience of watching the films together.
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Casting Changes: The article touches upon casting changes in the series, citing an instance where Tessa's mother was recast. It highlights the challenges faced by the series in retaining its talent, contributing to the larger set of problems affecting viewer engagement.
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Character Dynamics and Critique: The portrayal of Tessa and Hardin's relationship is critiqued, emphasizing the toxic nature of their dynamic. The imbalance in character development and the perceived lack of independence in Tessa's character are discussed, providing a nuanced perspective on the film's portrayal of their relationship.
In summary, the article provides a multi-faceted critique of the "After" series, examining its roots, narrative flaws, audience engagement, casting challenges, and character dynamics. The overarching theme is the enduring appeal of the series driven by nostalgia and a sense of community within the One Direction fandom.
