It Ends with Us - A Movie Review
Research 'It Ends with Us' before watching or reading the book.
All love stories have hidden layers.
It Ends with Us is a 2024 film based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel. As Lily Bloom sets up her new flower shop business, she encounters Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon. The pair spark a connection and start a relationship. Ryle’s charm unnerves Lily when his behavior reminds her of trauma from her childhood.
Sniffles and soft cries were heard throughout the theater when I saw It Ends with Us. I avoided looking up anything about the book. Centered around romance and abuse, the film tackles a deep and powerful message but becomes redundant in storytelling.
Blake Lively is wonderful in her performance, dictating a strong emotional character. The problem is that her character is more one-dimensional than not. We understand she has a cautious outlook on relationships, but we needed more background with Lily.
Along with playing Ryle, Justin Baldoni was also the film’s director. Ryle’s behavior sets off red flags from the beginning. He talks himself out of most situations. Baldoni effectively captures the subtle threat of his character, but there’s so much more we could have explored.
Hands down, Jenny Slate earns the best supporting character award! I know I have seen her in other films, but after watching Slate’s performance in this, I need to find more films with her. Alyssa is Lily’s supportive best friend who always jokes around. However, the scene where Alyssa gives Lily a serious talk about her relationship is a commendable moment.
More credits include Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar, Kevin McKidd, Amy Morton, Alex Neustaedter, and Isabala Ferrer. Side characters need to be utilized more. Atlas (Skenar) is a pivotal character but deserves a more prominent role. Lily’s mom should have been involved better.
Though the film has strengths, particularly in the performances, it falls short of its overall execution. The pacing is another issue, clocking in at two+ hours. Not much happens aside from watching interactions between characters. It becomes repetitive. Baldoni’s direction is competent but doesn’t elevate the material beyond its one-dimensional script.
The film attempts to tackle serious issues such as domestic abuse and trauma, but it does so in a way that feels surface-level. Baldoni is so focused on the visual aesthetic, rather than digging deeper into characters or themes.
We’re shown Lily’s trauma and backstory, but I never felt drawn into her character. The same goes for Atlas. He felt like a random character more than Lily’s savior. Based on what others have stated, a lot of details were downplayed from the book.
Sources confirm that author Colleen Hoover was closely consulted during the adaptation process. I have not read the book, but I think the movie could have added more layers.
I also heard that problems arose backstage between Baldoni and the cast members. If that’s true, he could have benefited from more ideas from the cast.
On a positive note, It Ends with Us is a saving grace to anyone who has/is enduring abusive relationships. Reach out for help. The final scene brought tears to my eyes. The film is a typical romance film which is not my cup of genre. It’s good for what it is.
Scenes involving domestic violence and Ryle’s behavior may trigger audiences. I felt uncomfortable at times with how Ryle treated Lily. His behavior snapped in an instant sometimes, throwing objects or pitting different situations into her mind from what occurred.
Research It Ends with Us before watching or reading the book. Having a full audience enhanced my viewing experience so go see it in theaters.
About the Creator
Marielle Sabbag
Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.
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