In the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends with Us, Blake Lively takes on the role of Lily Bloom, a character whose resilience and vibrancy shine through from the very first scene. As Lily, Lively brings an earnestness to the screen that captures the essence of a woman navigating the complexities of love and trauma. The film opens with Lily fleeing her father’s funeral, setting the tone for a story that delicately balances moments of light-hearted romance with the darker realities of life.
Lily’s journey intertwines with that of Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Justin Baldoni, who also steps behind the camera as the film’s director. Ryle is introduced as the ideal romantic partner—charming, successful, and deeply enamored with Lily. Their relationship begins with an almost idyllic meet-cute atop a high-rise, filled with chemistry and promise. However, as their romance unfolds, the film begins to peel back the layers of Ryle’s character, revealing the troubling aspects of his personality. Baldoni masterfully portrays this duality, making Ryle both a figure of desire and a source of fear.
One of the film’s most striking achievements is its handling of the sensitive issue of abuse within a romantic relationship. Rather than relying on clichés, the narrative allows the complexities of Lily and Ryle’s relationship to develop gradually, making the eventual reveal of Ryle’s abusive behavior all the more impactful. The script, penned by Christy Hall, takes its time to build the characters and their relationships, ensuring that the emotional weight of the story is felt deeply by the audience.
Adding another dimension to the story is Atlas, Lily’s first love, played by Brandon Sklenar. His character introduces a secondary love interest, which further complicates Lily’s emotional journey. The love triangle that develops is both a source of tension and a vehicle for exploring the different ways people cope with past traumas.
Supporting characters, such as Jenny Slate’s portrayal of Ryle’s sister and Hasan Minhaj as her husband, provide moments of levity amidst the drama, giving the film a well-rounded emotional palette. However, it’s the performances of Lively and Baldoni that anchor the film. Lively’s Lily is a blend of vulnerability and strength, making her character’s journey all the more relatable. Baldoni, on the other hand, walks a fine line between charm and menace, delivering a performance that is as unsettling as it is compelling.
It Ends with Us is more than just a romance film; it’s a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of relationships and the hidden struggles that often accompany them. The film manages to stay true to the spirit of Hoover’s novel while also bringing its own cinematic flair to the story. The careful pacing, nuanced performances, and sensitive handling of difficult themes make this a film that resonates long after the credits roll.
For those who might have been skeptical due to the heavy marketing or the film’s origins in the world of BookTok, It Ends with Us is a pleasant surprise. It’s a film that not only entertains but also challenges the audience to think deeply about the nature of love and the often painful realities that can come with it. In the end, this adaptation delivers a powerful and emotional experience that is well worth watching.
