Going to college can be an intimidating experience, not only for the students, but for the parents as well. After is a story about a college freshman named Tessa Young (Josephine Langford). Tessa was raised by her single mom as her father left her as a young child. Tessa is a hard working, responsible young woman who’s ready for the college experience. However, her mother, Carol (Selma Blair), is very sad about taking her daughter to school. Though she does have Tessa’s high school boyfriend accompanying her which helps ease the pain. During the first week of school Tessa’s life dramatically changes when she meets Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a handsome, British-accented college boy. A game of Truth or Dare at a college party is when Tessa’s prim and proper world falls apart. After is based on Anna Todd’s best-selling novel…After. Some critics say it’s the Fifty Shades of Gray for teens.

Rating: 2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: April 12, 2019
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 16+
Sexual Content: Excessive+
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Will Kids Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

 Sexual Content: Excessive

• We see two college students in many sexual scenes throughout the film. We see them kissing and intimately touching one another. Also, it’s implied they have oral sex as we see them unbuttoning each others pants.
• The young couple have sex, with the girl losing her virginity.  Frontal nudity is obscured, however we do see their shoulders and bare backs.
• We see the couple in a bubble bath, once again their shoulders and backs visible.
• Two female characters are shown in a sexual relationship. They undress each other in bed, nudity is hidden under the sheets.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild

• Two guys get into a fight, punching and hitting each other.
• In an emotional rage, a guy smashes vases of flowers and other things in his home.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

• We hear “damn,” and “h-ll.

Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate

• We see college students drinking beer and hard liquor. We see several drunk students as well.
• Character smoke, and vape.

Will Kids Like It? Yes

• I interviewed two 17 year old girls who loved the film, though they liked the book better.
• I also interviewed a mom who brought her 15 year old daughter. The mom said,”Do not take your teenager to this movie.”

Overall, this is a film portraying a young couple in a sexual relationship. Parents need to be especially aware of the sexual context in this PG13 rated film.