Title: After
Released: April 8, 2019
Produced by: Jenny Gage
Access on: Netflix
Netflix Summary: Wholesome college freshman Tessa Young thinks she knows what she wants out of life, until she crosses paths with complicated bad boy Hardin Scott.
Gaze Theory: This film has very sexual undertones and is focused around the sexual tension and attraction between Hardin and Tessa. There are multiple scenes where the camera focuses on both of their bodies; however, I would not say that these scenes are examples of gaze theory. Tessa is not necessarily objectified but her character is extremely sexualized. Her entire character is focused around Hardin and obtaining his love. In multiple scenes they are shown having sex. The audience is shown snippets of her body such as her back, stomach, hips and underwear line. In addition, these scenes feature Hardin and show him touching her body. Because he is also in these scenes, it appears they are meant to be more sexual rather than catering towards the male gaze.
Goffmanian Analysis: Tessa’s character follows many stereotypes related to Goffmanian Analysis. Her character is meant to be portrayed with hyper-femininity. First, she is presented as young and innocent. When she first meets Hardin, she is a virgin. This depicts her as pure and submissive towards him. Because he is the man and has more knowledge, he is in control of the sexual encounters they have. In addition, this depicts Tessa as subordinate to Hardin. She is the means to his pleasure; she does not have much of a say because she is uneducated. The sex scenes emphasize this and show her size in comparison to him. She is small while he leans over her body. In addition, she utilizes feminine touch and licensed withdrawal to further demonstrate her subordination and femininity.
Effects: This film is extremely sexualized. The entire relationship between Hardin and Tessa is toxic and based on sex. In the case for young girls who may be watching this film, the message is clearly negative. Hardin’s character is the “bad boy” who Tessa attempts to soften and fix. This type of mentality allows mistreatment and bad behavior by romantic partners. Teenage girls may watch this film and assume that this is what love looks like when their relationship is actually very toxic. In addition, it says that sexual desire and tension is the reason for a relationship. It fetishizes virgin teenagers and their virginity being taken by older, more experienced boys.
Shared by: Olivia Smidel
Image Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After_(2019_film)