What Is After We Collided About?
The premise of After We Collided in 313 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling world of a coastal university, a fierce and tender romance is tested by the turbulence of ambition and hidden truths. Tessa steps into adulthood as she begins a coveted internship at a prestigious publishing house, while her heart remains entangled with a man whose brooding charm masks a storm of unresolved pain. The story unfolds against a backdrop of lecture halls, city streets, and quiet corners where whispered doubts linger, setting a tone that balances youthful optimism with the weight of lingering scars.
Tessa is driven, intelligent, and eager to prove herself, yet she constantly grapples with expectations from both family and career. Across the divide, Hardin moves like a dark wind—intense, unpredictable, and haunted by a past that refuses to stay buried. Their connection is electric, a blend of fierce attraction and fragile trust, and each interaction teeters between longing and confrontation. The chemistry between them fuels a narrative that feels as much like a simmering storm as a delicate dance, inviting the audience to wonder whether love can truly survive the shadows it casts.
The world expands as Trish, Hardin’s mother, offers a glimpse into the family dynamics that shape his defenses, while Christian Vance, the charismatic owner of the publishing firm, presents opportunities that could pull Tessa in new directions. A charismatic coworker, Trevor, adds another layer of complexity, embodying both support and potential rivalry. These relationships create a web of expectations, loyalties, and unspoken tensions that color every decision the protagonists make.
Overall, the film glides through a moody, atmospheric setting where passion and pain coexist. It explores themes of forgiveness, self‑discovery, and the relentless question of whether a love forged in chaos can transform into something steadier. The audience is left with a lingering sense of anticipation, eager to see if the characters can navigate their inner turmoils and find a path toward redemption together.
What Happens in After We Collided?
The complete story of After We Collided, from the first scene to the last, in 602 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
As Hardin Scott grapples with the emotional turmoil of his turbulent breakup with Tessa Young, he finds himself dismissing a homeless man who tries to engage him in conversation. Meanwhile, Tessa steps into her new role as an intern at Vance Publishing, where her first day takes a cringeworthy turn when she encounters coworker Trevor Matthews. The owner of Vance Publishing, Christian Vance, notices Tessa’s outstanding contributions and invites her, along with Trevor and his secretary and girlfriend Kimberly, to a networking event in Seattle.
At this event, Tessa and Trevor impress a potential investor, securing a vital opportunity for the company. But later, fueled by alcohol, Tessa calls Hardin, who rushes to locate her at a nightclub. Upon entering her hotel room, he discovers Trevor in a disheveled state due to a spillage, and he quickly throws him out. This leads to a heated argument between Tessa and Hardin, driven by their unresolved feelings and intense passions.
The following morning, their dispute continues, coinciding with Vance’s announcement that they’ve successfully secured funding from the businessman they met before. Both Tessa and Hardin start lamenting the loss of their relationship. When Tessa returns to the apartment they once shared to collect her belongings, she stumbles into a touching moment with Hardin and his mother, Trish, who is under the impression that they are still a couple.
Trish reveals to Tessa insights into Hardin’s emotional struggles, stemming from a traumatic childhood experience involving her own brutal assault by men linked to Hardin’s father, Ken. This enlightening moment deepens Tessa’s compassion for Hardin, allowing her to understand his inner demons.
On her birthday, Tessa visits her mother Carol, where she inadvertently learns a long-buried secret about her father’s past, leaving her feeling betrayed. In search of comfort, she returns to Hardin’s apartment, reigniting their romantic spark.
As Christmas approaches, Tessa, Hardin, and Trish attend a holiday celebration at Ken’s house, where rising tensions lead to Hardin becoming increasingly drunk and confrontational with his father. Tessa shares this troubling scene with Trevor, who warns her that her relationship with Hardin may be heading towards disaster. Meanwhile, Vance presents Tessa with an offer to join him in Seattle as his company expands.
On New Year’s Eve, Tessa and Hardin find themselves at a lively university party, but miscommunication begins to stir trouble in their relationship. Tessa misinterprets Hardin’s private conversation with an ex as a betrayal, while Hardin stumbles upon Vance’s offer and fears Tessa may choose to leave him for Trevor. Their mounting frustrations culminate in a fierce argument, prompting Tessa to storm out.
The following day, Hardin discovers a myriad of apologetic texts from Tessa, which he only finds after charging his phone. However, when Tessa reaches for her phone while driving, she has a car accident, leaving Hardin devastated, believing his actions may have contributed to her misfortune. Faced with heartache and guilt, he contemplates ending their relationship.
Trish, however, encourages him to reconsider. Strengthened by her support, Hardin rushes to Vance’s farewell party, which culminates in a surprise engagement between Vance and Kimberly. Meanwhile, the stage is set for one more crucial confrontation between Tessa and Hardin, who must ultimately navigate their complex emotions and find the path to forgiveness.
Just when it appears they might resolve their issues, a mysterious figure steps out from the shadows—none other than Tessa’s long-lost father, whose presence and cryptic wisdom have haunted Hardin since their first encounter. This unexpected turn shakes the foundations of Tessa and Hardin’s relationship, forcing them to confront the painful truths of their past and reassess their feelings for one another.
After We Collided Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Hardin Reflects on His Breakup” to “The Arrival of Tessa's Father”. 9 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Hardin Reflects on His Breakup
Hardin Scott is struggling emotionally after a tumultuous breakup with Tessa Young. He dismisses a homeless man attempting to engage him, reflecting his inner turmoil and detachment from the world around him.
- 2
Tessa's First Day at Vance Publishing
Tessa starts her internship at Vance Publishing, eager to make a good impression. However, her first day takes a cringe-worthy turn when she meets her coworker, Trevor Matthews, setting the stage for future complications.
Where:Vance Publishing
- 3
Networking Event in Seattle
The owner of Vance Publishing, Christian Vance, recognizes Tessa's potential and invites her and Trevor to a networking event in Seattle. Their impressive presentation secures essential funding for the company, marking a significant achievement for Tessa.
Where:Seattle
- 4
Tessa's Call to Hardin
After a night of drinks, Tessa calls Hardin, prompting him to rush to her aid at a nightclub. Upon entering her hotel room, he finds Trevor in a compromised state, leading to a heated confrontation between Tessa and Hardin fueled by their unresolved emotions.
Where:Hotel room
- 5
Morning After Conflict
The following morning, the argument from the previous night continues as both Tessa and Hardin express their regrets over their relationship's decline. Their emotional pain is compounded by the news of the funding secured from the businessman they met at the event.
- 6
Tessa Collects Her Belongings
Tessa returns to their shared apartment to gather her things, only to encounter an insightful moment with Hardin and his mother, Trish. Trish shares touching details about Hardin’s traumatic past, allowing Tessa to better understand his emotional struggles.
Where:Their shared apartment
- 7
Birthday Revelation
On her birthday, Tessa visits her mother, Carol, and learns a shocking secret about her father's past that leaves her feeling betrayed. In search of solace and comfort, she turns back to Hardin's apartment, reigniting their romantic connection.
Where:Tessa's mother's house
- 8
Christmas at Ken's House
During a holiday gathering at Ken's house, tensions rise as Hardin becomes increasingly drunk and confrontational with his father. Tessa shares her concerns about Hardin with Trevor, who warns her that their relationship may be heading towards disaster.
When:Christmas Where:Ken's house
- 9
Vance's Job Offer
While the company is expanding, Vance approaches Tessa with an offer to join him in Seattle. This opportunity creates further strain on her relationship with Hardin as it raises the possibility of her moving away.
- 10
New Year's Eve Party
At a lively university party on New Year's Eve, miscommunication begins to fester between Tessa and Hardin. Tessa wrongly interprets Hardin's conversation with an ex as disloyalty, while Hardin is troubled by the prospect of Tessa choosing Trevor over him.
When:New Year's Eve Where:University party
Show the other 4 events of After We Collided Hide the last 4 events
- 11
The Aftermath of Miscommunication
Hardin discovers a series of apologetic texts from Tessa only after charging his phone. Tragically, she experiences a car accident while reaching for her phone, leaving Hardin devastated and grappling with guilt over what might have caused it.
- 12
Trish's Encouragement
In the wake of Tessa's accident, Trish encourages Hardin to reflect on his relationship with her son. Strengthened by her support, he decides to attend Vance's farewell party, looking for a chance to confront his feelings.
Where:Vance's farewell party
- 13
Surprise Engagement
At Vance's farewell party, a surprising engagement is announced between Vance and Kimberly, adding a layer of complexity to the gathering. Hardin prepares himself for one final confrontation with Tessa, who is still processing her emotions.
Where:Vance's farewell party
- 14
The Arrival of Tessa's Father
Just when it seems Hardin and Tessa are on the verge of resolving their issues, Tessa's long-lost father appears unexpectedly. His enigmatic presence forces Tessa and Hardin to confront painful truths about their past and reassess their relationship.
Who Are the Main Characters in After We Collided?
5 characters, among them Hardin Scott, Tessa Young and Trevor Matthews: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Hardin Scott
Played by Hero Fiennes-Tiffin
Hardin is a complex character grappling with emotional baggage stemming from a troubled childhood. His intense passion for Tessa is often clouded by jealousy and unresolved feelings, leading to strained interactions. Despite his flaws, his vulnerability is revealed as he confronts his inner demons and struggles to reconnect with Tessa.
- 💔 Heartbroken
- 🔥 Passionate
- 🔍 Troubled
-
Tessa Young
Played by Josephine Langford
Tessa is a determined and ambitious young woman embarking on her career while navigating the complexities of love and self-identity. Her journey sees her transform from a naive girl into someone who faces hard truths about relationships and family. Her emotional resilience shines through as she attempts to reconcile her feelings for Hardin with her own aspirations.
- 🌸 Strong
- 💼 Ambitious
- 💔 Vulnerable
-
Trevor Matthews
Played by Dylan Sprouse
Trevor is a charismatic coworker who unintentionally becomes a source of tension between Tessa and Hardin. His friendly demeanor and support for Tessa highlight the complicating dynamics of relationships. However, his presence also evokes jealousy in Hardin, bringing deeper issues in their romance to the surface.
- 🤝 Supportive
- 💁♂️ Charismatic
- 😔 Complicated
-
Christian Vance
Played by Charlie Weber
Christian is the ambitious owner of Vance Publishing and acts as a mentor figure for Tessa. His keen eye for talent allows him to recognize Tessa's skills, but his professional relationship with her inadvertently fuels Hardin's insecurities. His character embodies the professional and personal challenges that arise within workplace dynamics.
- 💼 Mentor
- 📈 Ambitious
- ⚖️ Complicated
- T
Trish
Played by Louise Lombard
Trish, Hardin's mother, offers insight into his emotional struggles, revealing the impact of their family's traumatic past. Her warmth and understanding serve as a counterbalance to Hardin's tumultuous nature, making her an essential figure in his path toward self-acceptance and reconciliation with Tessa. She embodies the theme of healing and support in complex relationships.
- ❤️ Supportive
- 🌟 Understanding
- 💔 Compassionate
Where and When Is After We Collided Set?
After We Collided is set in Seattle (Modern Day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Modern Day
The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting current social dynamics and relationship challenges. This period is marked by rapid developments in technology and communication, influencing how characters interact and resolve conflicts. Additionally, themes of personal growth and emotional struggles resonate strongly in this time frame.
Where
Seattle
Seattle is a vibrant city known for its iconic skyline and rich cultural scene. It serves as a hub for technology and business, particularly with significant companies in the publishing industry. The city is famous for its coffee culture and scenic waterfront, making it a lively backdrop for corporate networking events and personal dramas.
- 🏙️ City
- 🎉 Celebration
- 💼 Corporate
What Are the Themes of After We Collided?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak, Self-Discovery and Celebration.
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01
Heartbreak
The theme of heartbreak is central to the movie, as characters navigate their tumultuous relationships fraught with misunderstandings and unresolved feelings. Tessa and Hardin's struggle with their emotional turmoil showcases the challenges of love and reconciliation. The story delves into the pains of past traumas that affect their connections and lead to emotional upheaval.
-
02
Self-Discovery
Self-discovery is a key theme, particularly for Tessa as she navigates her new role in a corporate environment while confronting her personal history. As she learns secrets about her family and her relationship with Hardin, she embarks on a journey of understanding herself and her choices. This theme emphasizes growth and the challenge of reconciling one's past with present desires.
-
03
Celebration
Celebration plays a significant role, particularly during moments such as Christmas and New Year's Eve. These festivities not only bring characters together but also serve as a backdrop for tension and important confrontations. Despite the conflicts, celebrations highlight the complexity of relationships, where joy and heartache coexist.
What Kind of Film Is After We Collided?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A high-intensity romantic drama characterized by constant heated arguments, volatile passion, and a tense exploration of deeply buried trauma and secrets.
- intense
- passionate
- volatile
- angst-ridden
- melodramatic
- confrontational
- turbulent romance
- past trauma
- family secrets
- miscommunication
Content notes: domestic abuse, childhood trauma, drunk confrontation, car accident.
Quiz
How well do you remember After We Collided? Test yourself on the story.
