After We Fell saw Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) discover some shocking family secrets that shook him to the core. After Ever Happy opens in London with Hardin's devoted girlfriend, Tessa, trying to help him deal with new information.
Under the influence of a bottle of whiskey, Hardin doesn't appreciate Tessa's kind reassurance: she wants to act directly. His inhibitions washed away by alcohol, Hardin commits a serious criminal act and sends a heartbroken Tessa back to the States.
Director: Castille LandonWriters: Sharon Soboil, Anna ToddStars: Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Josephine Langford, Louise Lombard
For Tessa, the duel has only begun. Returning home, she is swept up in a family tragedy that brings in a repentant Hardin as a runner to prove her devotion. But Tessa isn't sure she wants Hardin's company. Her relationship drama has exhausted her and she says, “I feel like I'm drowning. I don't know if I can keep fighting against the current to save him instead of saving myself." Tessa tells Hardin that she needs space and he reluctantly agrees. They're headed in different directions, but can they stay apart?
The first three installments of this franchise were all terrible movies and this production is no better. I reluctantly dragged myself to the theater, comforting myself with the thought that this would be the fourth and final film in the series. Then, as Tessa walked away in the rain, I saw three words that chilled my heart: "To be continued." I managed not to scream out loud and spent the rest of the night reconsidering my career and life choices. Any job that requires me to sit through a fifth After movie needs to be rethought.
After Ever Happy suffers from the same flaws as every other film in the series. Hero Fiennes Tiffin is still unable to act; he just pouts at the camera or yells in rage when he can't have what he wants. There's too much choppy sex, though Josephine Langford's bra always stays on and there's never any explicit nudity. Fortunately, there is less sex in this film, mainly because it has been replaced by alcohol. The film is awash in booze, and Hardin practically pickles himself before finding a support group for his addiction. The level of profanity remains high, with 45 sexual expletives, and there is one serious crime that has seemingly no real-world consequences. The level of negative content is excessive and this show is emphatically not suitable for teenage viewers.
There's only one glimmer of hope in this film, and that is Tessa finally realizing that she can't fix Hardin. She also recognizes the toxic nature of her relationship and decides to find herself, without Hardin. If she finally decides that she's better off without her violent, selfish, fickle boyfriend, it would be a happily ever after. But since a sequel is coming, she wouldn't hold her breath.