After We Collided is finally out in the United States, and it was well worth the wait.
The sequel to After based on the book of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Anna Todd has been one of the most anticipated films of the year, and it did not disappoint. Directed by Roger Kumble, After We Collided explores the aftermath of Tessa and Hardin’s breakup and their journey to reconnect.
There are so many things we loved about this film, so let’s discuss.
Respecting the past
The opening sequence of After We Collided was done in such a beautiful way because it honored what was done in the previous film by giving us flashbacks of it. Now I know some people were disappointed with After and the things it left out but, I think what Roger did by using some of those scenes was a lovely way to respect what was done by the previous director Jenny Gage.
Book Hardin
Hero Fiennes Tiffin was great in After but, in After We Collided, he was phenomenal. As I said when I did my review of After last year, I felt like his performance was a bit held back because he couldn’t really be the book Hardin we all hoped for. We got that in this film for sure. From the moment the film opened, Hero was book Hardin. Every single line spoken, every move he made screamed book Hardin to me.
His ability to convey all Hardin’s emotions was amazing to see. Not only did he do a great job with the little cute fun moments, he also really broke me during the emotional ones. The Christmas party scene at his father’s house as well as the New Year’s Eve fight were so intense, and I could not take my eyes off him. Whatever emotion he was showcasing, I felt it.
Book Tessa
We already know Josephine Langford is the perfect Tessa and she continued to show that with this film. Tessa has greatly matured after everything she’s gone through since Hardin came crashing into her life. She’s still focused on building her career and she’s accomplishing her goal by being an intern at Vance Publishing. She is headstrong and refuses to let anything stand in her way. Although she loves Hardin with all her heart she makes it clear to him she won’t stand for any more lies. Josephine did a wonderful job of conveying that maturity throughout.
Book Hessa
What After fans had been dying for since After came out. Don’t get me wrong, we did get moments of book Hessa in After, but in After We Collided we really got them. Book Hessa is passionate, angsty, and they don’t have a perfect relationship. They fight hard but they love even harder. It’s clear they would do anything for one another, and Jo and Hero showcased every bit of this.
Josephine and Hero’s chemistry
These two have had great chemistry since After and it only got better. Obviously, I loved the sex scenes between Tessa and Hardin but what I loved more was the intimate and sweet moments. The way Hardin would brush Tessa’s hair behind her ear especially in the scene when he finally told her he loved her had me swooning. The quick pecks on the lips, all those moments when they were just being a cute lovey dovey couple were some of my absolute favorites.
Dylan Sprouse
I absolutely adored Dylan as Trevor. He just brought something special to the character and he was so funny. Most of the comedic moments came from him and I loved it. What I also loved was the way he balanced being serious and funny. He was able to be the Trevor that was all business but then he could be making you laugh in the next moment. He and Jo had some of my favorite scenes together including their conversation about books in her hotel room.
Louise Lombard
I literally love this woman because she is just the bee’s knees (Yes, I said that), and pure perfection as Hardin’s mum Trish. If you want to talk about perfect casting, this is it. It felt like she walked right out of Annas book because I can’t see anyone else but her. She made me smile, laugh, and cry. Her scenes with Hero were amazing and the two of them were just so good and every scene just flowed. I don’t have enough words to describe how much I loved them as mother and son.
The New Years Eve Fights
Now, I know some people didn’t like the fight between Tessa and Molly because they felt like it was slut shaming because of the things they said to each other, but I didn’t. It happened exactly the way it did in the book and there were quite a few Afternators waiting for that moment. I know it was controversial to some but personally, I think Inanna and Josephine nailed that scene.
The fight between Tessa and Hardin, although it was sad and emotional, was one of my favorite scenes. It was intense and EXACTLY as I pictured it. Hero and Josephine gave incredible performances in that scene and I really felt their emotions. I know shooting that must have taken a lot out of them.
I loved everything about this movie, and I think Roger Kumble did a great job directing. Some people complained that it felt like he turned it into a comedy because of the funny moments but I don’t think so at all. I still felt that I was watching a serious love story because it had all the conflict and romance and it was a perfect balance. Even with a love story we need moments of laughter to lighten the tension. In Anna’s books there are moments when we laugh (Hello, Hardin’s stupid period jokes, which by the way some fans hoped to hear in the films). The comedic moments didn’t take anything away from the film for me and I appreciated every one of them.
Overall, After We Collided is an emotional film that I think stayed as true to Anna’s book as possible. What fans have to remember is that this is an adaptation so everything isn’t going to be exactly like the books but I think they came pretty close with this. If you’re a fan of the series, then I think you will be thoroughly pleased with this film.
After We Collided is available in select theatres and to stream Here.
Have you seen After We Collided? What did you think? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.