Year: 2018
Runtime: 95 min
Language: English
Director: Joey Power
Elliot's comfortable life in New York City is dramatically changed by a serious diagnosis and a surprising romance with Mia. As they grapple with his illness and the complexities of treatment, they find their relationship tested not just by his health, but by the ordinary difficulties of daily life. They must confront the true meaning of their love and learn to navigate unexpected challenges together.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of After Everything (2018), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Elliott, a 23-year-old man portrayed by Jeremy Allen White, finds himself facing a daunting diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that he initially confuses with a sexually transmitted disease. His journey begins when he strikes up a connection with Mia, played by Maika Monroe, at a New York City sandwich shop where they both work. During their first date, Elliott bravely shares his diagnosis with Mia, laying a strong foundation for their relationship as they embark on a romantic journey together.
As their bond deepens, Mia supports Elliott through the challenges of his illness, traveling with him to New Jersey to inform his parents about his condition. With unwavering commitment, she even leaves her marketing job to be by his side as he undergoes difficult chemotherapy treatments, which take a toll on both his physical and mental health. Meanwhile, tension arises as Elliott starts to drift away from his best friend and roommate, Nico, played by DeRon Horton. When chemotherapy fails to work as hoped, Elliott faces surgery with a slim chance of success. In what could be their final days together, they take on exciting activities from Elliott’s bucket list and decide to marry quickly before his operation.
Miraculously, Elliott survives the surgery, and his cancer enters remission. Four months later, he and Mia have moved in together, where Elliott begins studying software design and Mia finds a new job that she loves. However, as they settle into their marriage, they begin to face challenges brought on by their familiarity with each other. A visit to Mia’s mother, Tracy, portrayed by Gina Gershon, introduces doubts about their marriage’s long-term prospects. Tensions mount when Mia opts to skip Elliott’s vital cancer screening for a work presentation, leaving him feeling unsupported. To cope with his feelings of distance from Mia, Elliott joins a support group for cancer survivors, leading to further separation between them. As Elliott reconnects with Nico and flirts with women, Mia finds herself drawn to her boss, David, played by Sendhil Ramamurthy.
An accidental call reveals Elliott’s night out with Nico and other women, prompting an emotional confrontation with Mia, who pleads for them to mend their relationship. Unfortunately, Elliott harshly admits that their marriage may not have happened without his illness, devastating Mia. Seeking comfort, she shares a kiss with David.
As the days pass, Elliott and Mia decide to separate, and Elliott moves out of their shared apartment, abandoning his aspirations in software to return to his old job at the sandwich shop. In the midst of their breakup, Mia resolves not to pursue a relationship with David and struggles with the complexities of dating while still coping with her feelings for Elliott. Meanwhile, Elliott grapples with his own dating challenges. In a moment of vulnerability, he reaches out to Mia, and they agree to meet to discuss their future. During this heartfelt reunion, Elliott apologizes for his earlier words and expresses a desire to reconcile, but Mia, while still loving him, asks for a divorce, feeling uncertain about their compatibility. Elliott acquiesces but wishes to remain friends.
In a poignant moment, they share a kiss and try to part ways, only to discover that they are both headed to the same subway station, granting them a chance to reflect on the memories they created together.
Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04
Still wondering what the ending of After Everything (2018) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
After everything that Hardin and Tessa have been through, the film’s ending offers a sense of hope and redemption. Hardin, who had been struggling with his mental health and creative block after their breakup, journeys to Portugal, partly prompted by his mother’s suggestion and partly driven by his desire to confront his past. There, he reconnects with Natalie, a former girlfriend whose relationship with him had ended badly due to his mistake of secretly filming their intimacy, leading to her leaving the UK. Through this visit, Hardin aims to mend his past mistakes and find closure. As he finishes writing a novel based on his relationship with Natalie, he seeks her approval before publishing it, showing his growth and remorse.
Hardin’s journey isn’t just about confronting past lovers but also about his own personal growth. His biological father, Vance, encourages him to move forward and focus on his writing and future, helping him break free from his emotional stagnation. When Hardin finally attends his friend Landon’s wedding in Portugal—a pivotal moment—he reconnects with Tessa, who is there as the maid of honor. Their reunion is heartfelt, with Hardin giving a sincere speech about love and soulmates, which moves Tessa deeply. This moment marks a turning point, as she begins to see that Hardin has truly changed and is still longing for her.
In a romantic culmination, Hardin proposes to Tessa, and she accepts without hesitation. The film concludes on a joyful note, with Hardin and Tessa not only reuniting but also starting a new chapter together as husband and wife. They are shown to be expecting a child, defying earlier medical warnings about her ability to conceive. Their story ends with Hardin preparing to write his third book, symbolizing his recovery and hope for the future. Ultimately, the ending celebrates forgiveness, personal growth, and the belief that love can overcome even the deepest pain and mistakes.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00
Don't stop at just watching — explore After Everything in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what After Everything is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
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