‘After We Collided’ Cast Reacts To “Toxic Relationship” Criticism

The After movies deliver exactly what teen audiences want to see: A heart-wrenching, steamy, epic romance. But fantasy is often a terrible roadmap for real-life relationships. Critics who called out the 2019 romance for glamorizing abusive relationships will find even more to support their thesis in its sequel, After We Collided, which released on-demand today. But stars Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin say that the unhealthy nature of Tessa and Hardin’s love is just part of the story.

“It’s difficult to view it objectively because you sort of have to be in her headspace,” Langford told Decider in a phone interview. “But they don’t [have a healthy relationship], and that’s the story. That’s exactly what the story is about: It’s about two people who don’t communicate, and there are a lot of problems. There are a lot of things that absolutely shouldn’t be happening. It’s about: Well, can they work through that? And do they work through that? What’s the end result? I don’t really want to share my opinion on it until I’m out of the character, and I can look at it more objectively.”

Tiffin echoed that sentiment in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, where he said, “People criticize it for advocating, like, a toxic relationship, and we need to stress that this is entertainment. It’s not a rulebook for people to follow and take into their lives. But I think it is super entertaining to watch people try and get through that because Hardin and Tessa don’t want it to be toxic, they’re trying to fight through it, and it is for whatever reason.”

Of course, both Langford and Tiffin are merely actors playing characters originally invented by author Anna Todd, who turned her popular Harry Styles fanfiction on Wattpad into a published book in 2014. At the beginning of After We Collided, college-aged lovers Tessa and Hardin are on a break, Tessa having dumped Hardin when she realized he pursued her as part of a bet. But Hardin insists his love for Tessa is true—especially after he discovers Tessa’s been hanging out with her hot new co-worker (Dylan Sprouse), and promptly throws a fit. Directed by Roger Kumble (Cruel Intentions) and written by Mario Celaya Todd, After We Collided is far steamier than the first film, adding a new layer of moral ambiguity to Hardin’s insistent pursual of Tessa, even after she tells him “No.”

Langford’s advice for the troubled star-crossed lovers? “Communicate,” Langford told Decider. “I would say that to everyone. Communication is so important, and it’s not just about doing it. It’s about how you do it.”

After We Collided is now available for rent or purchase on-demand.

Where to watch After We Collided