After We Collided (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Hardin dismisses the homeless man as a reflection of his emotional detachment following his breakup with Tessa. Having just experienced a tumultuous separation, he has withdrawn from the world around him and is unable to connect with others, even those in need. This moment establishes his mental state at the start of the film.

Foreshadowing: This early moment establishes Hardin's pattern of pushing people away when he is emotionally wounded.

• Hardin Scott
• homeless man
• emotional detachment
• breakup

Trish reveals that Hardin's emotional struggles stem from a traumatic childhood experience. She was brutally assaulted by men linked to Hardin's father Ken, and this horrifying event has deeply affected Hardin's psychological development. The revelation helps Tessa understand the root of his anger and behavioral issues.

Foreshadowing: This backstory explains Hardin's consistent conflict with his father and his difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.

• Trish
• Hardin childhood
• Ken
• assault
• trauma

After discovering a shocking secret about her father's past on her birthday, Tessa feels betrayed and alone. She seeks comfort from the one person who understands her emotional pain, Hardin. Their shared experiences of betrayal and trauma create an unexpected connection, leading her back to his apartment.

Foreshadowing: This moment shows how their mutual pain draws them together despite their ongoing conflicts.

• Tessa birthday
• father secret
• Carol
• emotional support

On New Year's Eve, Tessa misinterprets Hardin's private conversation with his ex-girlfriend as a betrayal, while Hardin discovers Vance's job offer and fears Tessa will choose Trevor over him. Both jump to conclusions without communicating, leading to a fierce argument where Tessa storms out.

Foreshadowing: Their inability to communicate openly has been building throughout the movie and reaches its peak here.

• New Year's Eve
• misunderstanding
• ex-girlfriend
• Trevor
• Vance offer

After storming out from the New Year's party, Tessa tries to reach Hardin via text while driving. While reaching for her phone, she loses control of her vehicle and crashes. Hardin later discovers her apologetic texts only after charging his phone, leaving him devastated and blaming himself.

Foreshadowing: This tragic accident is the direct consequence of their unresolved communication issues.

• car accident
• texting while driving
• Hardin guilt
• phone

Hardin feels guilty because he believes his actions contributed to the accident. He had ignored Tessa's apologetic texts while his phone was dead, and their heated argument caused her to leave in emotional distress. He struggles with whether his refusal to communicate sooner directly led to her accident.

Foreshadowing: This guilt nearly causes Hardin to end the relationship entirely.

• Hardin guilt
• Tessa accident
• responsibility
• relationship

Tessa's father is revealed to be a mysterious figure who has been absent her entire life. His identity and connection to Hardin remain cryptic, but his appearance at the end of the movie introduces a new conflict. He forces both Tessa and Hardin to confront painful truths about their pasts and threatens their potential reconciliation.

Foreshadowing: The movie establishes earlier that Hardin encountered this figure before, adding mystery to his sudden appearance.

• Tessa father
• mysterious figure
• confrontation
• resolution

During the holiday gathering at Ken's house, Hardin becomes increasingly drunk and confrontational with his father. This confrontation stems from years of resentment over Ken's actions, particularly the revelation that men linked to Ken were responsible for assaulting Trish. The alcohol lowers his inhibitions, leading to an explosive confrontation.

Foreshadowing: This scene highlights the ongoing tension between Hardin and his father that has shaped his entire life.

• Ken
• Hardin father
• Christmas
• confrontation
• alcohol

After witnessing Hardin's drunken confrontation with Ken at Christmas, Trevor warns Tessa that her relationship with Hardin is heading toward disaster. He cautions her that Hardin's self-destructive behavior and emotional volatility will continue to hurt her, suggesting she reconsider their relationship.

Foreshadowing: Trevor's warning proves justified as the story progresses toward more conflict.

• Trevor warning
• Hardin behavior
• danger
• relationship advice

Christian Vance notices Tessa's exceptional work performance and potential during the networking event in Seattle. As his company expands, he offers her a position to join him in Seattle. This creates tension because the opportunity represents a new life for Tessa, which Hardin fears will pull her away from him.

Foreshadowing: This job offer becomes a source of conflict between Tessa and Hardin.

• Christian Vance
• Seattle job offer
• career
• Trevor