by It Ends With Us Review: BookTok has become a vibrant platform where passionate readers exchange recommendations and delve into novels that captivate them with their compelling storytelling. While authors like Emily Henry and Sarah J. Maas have seen their book sales surge thanks to their popularity on TikTok, Colleen Hoover remains a prominent figure on the platform and in bookstores. Her novel, It Ends With Us, topped the bestseller list in 2022. With millions of copies sold, translating a book that has deeply resonated with many into a film that preserves its emotional depth and nuance is no small feat.
However, under Justin Baldoni’s meticulous direction, this adaptation manages to strike the right chord. It Ends With Us Review explores the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, highlighting how Justin Baldoni captures the book’s emotional depth and sensitivity.
The movie centers on Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a dynamic florist who relocates to Boston after her father’s funeral and encounters a charming yet troubled neurosurgeon named Ryle (Baldoni). Though Ryle’s flirtatious demeanor initially attracts Lily during their rooftop meeting, their paths diverge until fate brings them back together. As Lily opens her floral business and hires Allysa (Jenny Slate), she reconnects with Ryle through her colleague. Their relationship becomes intense and consuming, but Lily, who grew up witnessing domestic abuse, soon finds herself reliving these troubling patterns.
It Ends With Us(2024)
Drama | Romance
Lily believes she has found true love with Ryle, but a traumatic event triggers past wounds, forcing her to question whether love alone can sustain her marriage. Complications arise when her former love reenters her life.
Release Date
June 21, 2024
Director
Justin Baldoni
Cast
Blake Lively, Jenny Slate, Brandon Sklenar, Justin Baldoni
Main Genre
Drama
Writers
Justin Baldoni, Christy Hall, Colleen Hoover
Blake Lively Excels as a Woman Breaking Free From a Cycle of Violence in ‘It Ends With Us’
Although some readers were skeptical about the choice of an older cast for the film adaptation of It Ends With Us (myself included), it’s evident that aging up the characters was a wise decision. Lively’s portrayal of Lily begins with a lively and assertive demeanor, resisting Ryle’s advances initially. Her confidence in seeking a genuine partner contrasts with Ryle’s initial intentions, which only change when he commits to a serious relationship.
Lively skillfully transitions Lily from a confident, loving individual to a frightened and distressed victim, portraying this shift with depth and sincerity. Her performance is a testament to her dedication, and despite Lily’s age in the film being different from the book, her portrayal is universally relatable and emotionally powerful.
Justin Baldoni Navigates a Sensitive Topic With Care, Avoiding Exploitation
Addressing domestic violence in a story can risk coming off as superficial or exploitative. However, Baldoni’s direction and portrayal of Ryle steer clear of these pitfalls. While the audience initially finds Ryle charming, Baldoni draws a clear line once the character’s darker side emerges. His adaptation of the source material handles the theme with greater nuance than Hoover’s novel by avoiding romanticizing Ryle’s actions. The film doesn’t excuse his behavior but instead portrays it realistically, preventing any lingering romanticization from undermining the gravity of his abuse. Baldoni, venturing into this sensitive area for the first time as a performer, adds depth to the character without convincing the audience to overlook his faults.
The film’s soundtrack significantly enhances the adaptation
The film’s soundtrack adds emotional depth to Lily’s journey. As her relationship with Ryle evolves and echoes her parents’ troubled dynamic, the music deepens the impact of her experiences. From Lana Del Rey to Birdy, the chosen tracks resonate with Lily’s highs and lows. Taylor Swift’s “My Tears Ricochet” stands out, encapsulating Lily’s internal conflict and her struggle to reconcile her past with her present. This song reflects Lily’s return to her former self, adding a poignant layer to the film’s narrative.
‘It Ends With Us’ Limits One of Its Leads and Falls Short on Flashbacks
While the film serves as a meaningful cautionary tale, it also introduces a love triangle that remains underdeveloped. Lily’s first love, Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), reappears in her life after their teenage romance, offering support during her difficult times. However, Atlas’s character is somewhat one-dimensional, as his backstory and significance are not fully explored. The flashbacks to Lily and Atlas’s high school years provide some context, but they fall short in depicting how their past influenced Lily’s present. This limited portrayal feels like a missed opportunity, especially for Ferrer and Neustaedter, who could have contributed more.
Despite the decision to minimize Atlas’s role as a mere plot device for Lily’s journey, Baldoni’s It Ends With Us is an impactful and sensitive portrayal of domestic violence and resilience. The film handles its themes with care, and its performances and direction empower survivors. While some changes from the book may not please fans of the love triangle, the adaptation effectively conveys Lily’s emotional journey, making it a worthwhile experience for those who connect with her story. The It Ends With Us Review notes that while the movie effectively addresses the themes of domestic violence, it also introduces a love triangle that feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to the novel.
