Romance in film has evolved depending on its target audience, but in the case of teenagers, movies based on best-selling novels like After have sparked controversy. This saga, marketed as a passionate love story, actually normalizes abusive relationships, which is especially concerning for impressionable young viewers.

The plot centers on Tessa Young and Hardin Scott, a couple entangled in a toxic relationship marked by violence, emotional manipulation, extreme jealousy, and dependency. From the beginning, Hardin deceives Tessa as part of a bet, pretending to love her just to take her virginity. This betrayal sets off a series of destructive events. Throughout the saga, Hardin displays violent outbursts, insults, physical fights, and destructive behavior such as smashing glass and even setting his mother’s house on fire.

Although Hardin’s childhood trauma is used to justify his actions, this does not excuse his behavior. His mother reinforces this narrative by telling Tessa she is the only one who can “heal” him, turning Tessa into a victim of manipulation. Even when Tessa loses her father to an overdose, Hardin shows up uninvited, ignoring her request to stay away.

The most disturbing moment comes when Hardin publishes a book titled After, detailing their turbulent relationship and exploiting Tessa’s personal trauma without her consent. This act highlights how entertainment can disguise abuse as romance, feeding off the audience’s curiosity and idealizing attractive actors, which distorts young viewers’ understanding of healthy relationships.

It’s alarming that these films lack clear disclaimers stating that the events portrayed are fictional and should not be imitated. Instead of promoting healthy communication, mutual respect, and genuine love, the narrative resolves conflicts through sexual encounters and aggression.

A healthy relationship is built on respect, empathy, and open communication. It is essential that content aimed at teenagers reflects these values and avoids perpetuating models of emotional toxicity under the label of romance.