AFTER MOVIE REVIEW

REVIEW: For Hardin Scott, “Nice is just another word for boring.” He has an enigmatic charm and there’s an air of uncertainty in his cryptic behavior. That is perhaps an irresistible combination in a young lad, who is also conventionally good looking. Throw in a girl-next-door with textbook good behaviour and an ambition to make her mother proud. When these two meet in a film, the audience knows what to expect. Ideally, that would take away the surprise element, but it’s the writing of these characters that keep you invested.

Tiffin is in the best form portraying the unpredictability of Hardin in measured tones. It’s easy to root for him even when he’s not doing the right thing. He also gets some really cool lines that add to the curiosity around his character. Josephine Langford successfully brings the vulnerability of Tessa to fore. Her performance is honest and understated that portrays her hunger for new experiences. Selma Blair as Tessa’s mother performs well in her limited screen time. But the rest of the cast has too many clichés. College teens sporting tattoos and nose piercings, a spiteful and vamp-ish fellow student with pigtails and a constant smirk, girl’s supportive friend in college, who is dark skinned. Wonder why? There are also American stereotypes like the dysfunctional families, daddy issues and single parents.

But none of that hampers the film’s strong emotional texture. Writers Susan McMartin and Tamara Chestna weave in the intense romance between Tessa and Hardin in a conventional yet mystical way that builds interest.

There are not many twists and the narrative is simple. However, it hoodwinks you into feeling that something really unusual will happen - whether or not it does, is for you to find out. Sex scenes are aplenty but none of them over-the-top. They are aesthetically executed and remain complimentary to the storytelling. Director Jenny Gage handles those scenes with finesse, never letting her young, good looking actors lose their next-door image. This helps the audience stay connected with the characters and feel for them. The pace is slow, but consistent with moments that will stay with you. Soundtrack packs quite a punch into this intense college romance.

‘After’ is as formulaic as it is ambitious for young lovers who seek exciting first experiences. It has love, lust and heartbreak in equal measure.

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