After Ever Happy
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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After Ever Happy
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that After Ever Happy is another entry in the series based on the cult One Direction fan fiction published by author Anna Todd on Wattpad and later as a book series. As in other installments, this film stars two young adults deep in a passionate love affair whose family lives keep giving them grief. Characters abuse alcohol and drugs, they smoke, and one dies of a drug overdose. A character deals with the realization that the man he thought was his father isn't. Sex scenes are explicit but have no nudity, and there's some sexy talk. Language includes lots of use of "f--k," "s--t," as well as "bulls--t," "hell," "bitch," and "prick." There are messages of forgiving oneself and others for past mistakes, and the importance in relationships of both individuals being in a healthy space.
What's the Story?
In AFTER EVER HAPPY, Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) is reeling from the revelation that the man he grew up believing was his father (Rob Estes) actually is not. His mother (Louise Lombard) let him believe it, though Vance (Stephen Moyer) wanted to be a part of Hardin's life. In his confusion and anger, Hardin turns to drinking again, pushing girlfriend Tessa (Josephine Langford) away. Tessa returns from London to Seattle without him, but when tragedy strikes her family, Hardin runs back to be by her side. Still, Tessa knows they need time apart to break their destructive cycle, so she moves to New York with Landon (Chance Perdomo).
Is It Any Good?
At this rate, the After series could go on with its relentless cycle of break-ups and make-ups for another 20 years. Would fans ever tire of Tessa and Hardin? Just when you've given up -- or Tessa has, like in After Ever Happy -- Hardin redeems himself again. Though it feels repetitive and increasingly difficult to sympathize with their clearly unhealthy relationship, there's always just enough in each film to keep you watching. And once again, this entry ends with a "To be continued." The series is as melodramatic and unbelievable as a soap opera, and it's likely just as addictive for its diehard fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how After Ever Happy compares with previous installments in the After series. How have the characters and their relationships evolved?
Were Tessa's motivations clear? Why did she leave for New York? Why was she upset with Hardin over his book?
How is young love portrayed in this film? Are Tessa and Hardin in a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 8, 2022
- Cast: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Louise Lombard
- Director: Castille Landon
- Studio: Voltage Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: January 24, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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After
Predictable college-set adaptation has partying, sex.
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Chemical Hearts
Grief, trauma, sex, and heartbreak in book-based teen drama.
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The Fault in Our Stars
Heartbreaking love story is a must-see for fans of the book.
For kids who love romance
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