“This is my life and you have to let me live it.”
The words of Tessa, college freshman, alone for the first time without her mom or childhood sweetheart, finds herself wrapped in the arms of the relative known bad boy on campus, but now she must figure out is it worth it to take a risk or should she remain faithful to one whom she has loved all her life.
Based on the young adult novel by New York Times bestseller, Anna Todd, the film follows a lot of similarities to another film from the early 2000’s especially when it makes reference to a dare gone totally wrong, however there are a lot of other ideas that set this film apart from others out now.
First off, the actors carry the heart of this film, as the allow audiences to sympathize with the story in ways even unbeknownst to them. The film, After stars, Josephine Langford, (Wish Upon) in a much different type of role compared to her last one. Now she is embracing naive college girl who wishes to explore more of her freedom as she falls in love quickly with badboy, Hardin, (Hero Fienens Tiffin).
Similarly her costar, Tiffin, also is embracing a somewhat different role from the most hated wizard of the Harry Potter franchise to that of slightly softer, lighter role, though one might agree, he was cast justly as the bad boy that everyone loves to hate. Though, his character does go through a bit of a change as love inevitably forms between the two of them and similarly like, another movie (She’s All That), what started as a bet between friends, finds itself to be slightly more captivating.
Ultimately the chemistry between that of Tiffin and Langford is spot on in that from the first meeting, one can see an immediate spark even with the quick brush off of Langford’s character to Tiffin during the truth or dare scene. The only question is can love prevail especially when obstacles stand in the way?
At an hour 45 minute run time, After will have one’s heart pounded and skin sweating, though the rating is moderately given as PG 13, that still doesn’t mean there won’t be some steamy scenes. Only difference is, it won’t necessarily leave you needing to take a cold shower after as it is relatively suitable for a older teen audience with mild adult supervision.
Directed by Independent director Jenny Gage, in her first full length feature debut, the film, though aside from feeling like a spoof, it does contain an intriguing story line that would capture the attention of audiences, though the ending might leave one asking themselves, “What?” Then again, don’t take the word of the critics like myself. One should definitely see it and make ones one decision.
The independent film came out in theaters April 12, 2019 and is currently playing in one near you.