After Everything (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is primarily set in New York City, featuring locations like sandwich shops and subway stations that represent everyday urban life. The story also extends to New Jersey, which serves as a quieter suburban setting where familial connections are explored.

• new york city
• new jersey
• setting
• locations
• urban
• suburban

The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern-day urban life and current societal issues. The setting highlights 21st-century medical understanding and the complexities of personal relationships in today's world.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• 2018

The film explores three core themes: Love & Loss, which examines how relationships are tested by illness and hardship; Mental Health, focusing on the psychological impact of cancer diagnosis and caregiving; and Change & Growth, showing how characters evolve through facing health challenges and relationship dynamics.

• themes
• love
• loss
• mental health
• growth
• change

Elliott is the protagonist, a young man diagnosed with cancer (Ewing's sarcoma) whose comfortable life in New York City is dramatically changed by his illness. He navigates the complexities of treatment while grappling with physical pain and emotional turmoil, exhibiting both resilience and vulnerability throughout his journey.

• elliott
• character
• cancer
• protagonist
• joe keery

Mia is Elliott's partner, a compassionate and supportive character who dedicates herself to his care during his illness. She balances her own career aspirations with caregiving responsibilities, illustrating the emotional challenges and personal sacrifice involved in supporting a loved one through a health crisis.

• mia
• caregiver
• partner
• maika monroe

Nico is Elliott's best friend and roommate, representing a source of support during his illness. His character highlights themes of loyalty and the challenges that arise in friendships when someone faces overwhelming personal circumstances, as Elliott distances himself during treatment.

• nico
• friend
• roommate
• deron horton

Tracy is Mia's mother, who plays a pivotal role in influencing Mia's perspective on her relationship with Elliott. Her skepticism about their marriage introduces external conflict, representing the voice of caution and reminding Mia of the realities of love and partnership during difficult times.

• tracy
• mother
• gina gershon
• mia family

David is Mia's boss, whose presence adds tension to the narrative as Mia wrestles with her feelings for him while supporting Elliott. He symbolizes the allure of new experiences and potential emotional connection outside her marriage, exploring themes of attraction during challenging times.

• david
• boss
• sendhil ramamurthy
• love triangle

The Love & Loss theme explores how Elliott and Mia's relationship is tested by the challenges of cancer treatment. Their bond faces uncertainty and emotional strain, questioning the foundation of their love and emphasizing how experiences shared during hardship have enduring impact, even if the relationship itself doesn't survive.

• love
• loss
• relationship
• cancer
• illness

Mental health is a prominent theme as Elliott deals with the psychological effects of his cancer diagnosis and treatment. The film illustrates the importance of therapy and support systems in coping with trauma. Mia's struggles as a caregiver also highlight the significant toll that supporting someone through illness can have on personal mental well-being.

• mental health
• therapy
• caregiving
• anxiety
• depression

The Change & Growth theme shows both Elliott and Mia undergoing significant personal transformation as they face health challenges and their evolving relationship. Each character reflects on their goals and desires, realizing that love can take different forms over time as they make decisions that shape their individual futures.

• growth
• change
• personal development
• transformation

The contrast between New York City's vibrant urban lifestyle and New Jersey's quieter suburban environment mirrors the story's themes. The bustling city represents the chaos and intensity of dealing with illness and a developing relationship, while the suburban setting reflects family connections and the need for stability during challenging times.

• setting contrast
• urban life
• suburban
• environment

The film has a bittersweet tone, cycling between hopeful moments like surviving surgery and getting married, and painful lows including failed chemotherapy and relationship breakdown. The emotional weight is heavy due to the central subject of illness, though the everyday realities of developing a relationship prevent it from being consistently somber.

• tone
• bittersweet
• emotional
• drama
• hope
• sadness