After We Collided (2020)
Story overview
After We Collided is a 2020 romantic drama that continues the story of a complex relationship between two young adults. The film explores themes of love, trust, and personal growth as the characters navigate emotional conflicts and romantic entanglements. With its R rating, it contains mature content suitable for older audiences.
Parent Guide
This romantic drama contains mature content including sexual situations, strong language, and substance use, making it most appropriate for older teens and adults.
Content breakdown
Some emotional conflicts and tense situations between characters, but no physical violence.
Emotional intensity and relationship conflicts may be disturbing to sensitive viewers.
Contains strong language and sexual references consistent with an R rating.
Contains sexual situations, implied intimacy, and romantic content unsuitable for younger viewers.
Characters are shown drinking alcohol in social situations.
High emotional drama with relationship conflicts and intense romantic scenes.
Parent tips
This film has an R rating primarily for sexual content, language, and some substance use, making it inappropriate for younger viewers. Parents should be aware that the romantic drama contains mature themes about relationships that may not be suitable for children or early teens. Consider watching it first yourself to determine if it aligns with your family's values and your teen's maturity level.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What did you think about how the characters talked to each other?
- How did the movie make you feel?
- What was your favorite part of the story?
- Did you see any characters being kind to each other?
- What colors or music did you notice in the movie?
- What did you learn about how people solve problems in relationships?
- How do you think the characters could have communicated better?
- What makes a friendship or relationship healthy in your opinion?
- Did any parts of the movie confuse you?
- What would you do differently if you were one of the characters?
- What messages does this movie send about romantic relationships?
- How do the characters show respect or disrespect toward each other?
- What realistic and unrealistic elements did you notice in how relationships are portrayed?
- How do the characters handle their emotions when they're upset?
- What have you learned from this movie about communication in relationships?
- How does this film portray consent and boundaries in relationships?
- What healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics did you observe?
- How do the characters' personal growth journeys reflect real-life experiences?
- What societal messages about love and relationships does this film reinforce or challenge?
- How might this film influence viewers' expectations about romantic relationships?
🎭 Story Kernel
At its core, 'After We Collided' explores the destructive allure of a relationship built on volatility rather than stability. The movie isn't about love conquering all, but about the characters' addiction to dramatic highs and lows. Hardin is driven by a deep-seated fear of abandonment and self-sabotage, using emotional chaos as a shield against genuine vulnerability. Tessa is driven by a conflicting desire for the exciting, unpredictable passion Hardin offers versus the safe, predictable future represented by Trevor. The plot revolves around whether they mistake intense conflict for deep connection, examining if trauma bonding can be mistaken for love.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The film employs a glossy, high-contrast visual style that mirrors the emotional extremes of the relationship. Scenes of passion are bathed in warm, saturated tones and soft focus, creating a romanticized sheen over toxic interactions. Conversely, arguments and emotional lows often use cooler, desaturated palettes and tighter, more claustrophobic framing. The cinematography frequently positions characters in separate halves of the frame during conflicts, visually emphasizing their emotional disconnect. The love scenes are shot with a melodramatic, almost music-video aesthetic that prioritizes sensual glamour over authentic intimacy, reinforcing the fantasy-versus-reality theme.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The film faced significant production challenges, including a last-minute recasting of Hardin's role. Hero Fiennes Tiffin was confirmed only weeks before shooting began, after previous actor replacements. Several steamy scenes, particularly the famous office desk sequence, required closed sets and extensive choreography to achieve the desired effect while maintaining a PG-13 rating. Much of the Seattle setting was actually filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, with specific locations chosen for their architectural similarity to the Pacific Northwest.
Where to watch
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Trailer
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