Directed by Jason Baldoni, and written by Christy Hall from the pages of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel which spent 140 weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List, It Ends With Us presents a captivating narrative that navigates the turbulent waters of trauma, love, and resilience.
The film follows Lily Bloom, portrayed wonderfully by Blake Lively, who, through the course of the film, transforms from a woman haunted by a traumatic past into someone determined to carve out a new life with dreams of owning her own business.
Lily emerges from a challenging childhood to build a fresh start in Boston, where she realizes her goal of opening a floral business. Her route takes an unexpected turn, however, when she crosses paths with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni, TV’s “Jane the Virgin”). Their initial connection is intense and electric, drawing viewers into their whirlwind romance.
However, as the story unfolds, so do Ryle's darker traits which echo the troubled dynamics of Lily's parents' relationship which we visit in doses via flashbacks. Baldoni delivers a multi-layered, yet somewhat soapy, performance that reminds viewers to look beyond charm and attraction. Revealed is the discomforting reality of emotional and physical abuse while never resorting to moralizing tones. This nuanced depiction of a complex character is a testament to Baldoni's acting/directorial dexterity as well as Hall's thoughtful screenplay. A tough nut to crack for sure, but they pull it off elegantly.
Complicating matters further, Lily's first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar, Midway), makes a sudden reappearance, causing her to question everything she knows about love and loyalty. Faced with an impossible decision, Lily must draw upon her inner strength to determine the course of her future. The film effectively navigates themes of healing, redemption, and hope, while ultimately illustrating the power of personal resilience in the face of life's toughest choices.
Sklenar's portrayal of Lily's first love adds another layer to the narrative. His reappearance brings past and present into a literal climactic collision, forcing Lily to confront her emotional turmoil. The chemistry between Lily and Atlas is indeed palpable but also complicated, and provides a counterbalance to her turbulent relationship with Ryle.
Lily's character is both a symbol of strength and vulnerability. Lively embodies her Lily with a firm confidence, painting her not as a delicate flower but as a strong and resilient woman grounded in reality. However, her portrayal also allows viewers to see that even the most confident individuals can miss red flags in relationships. This duality is central to the film's emotional pull, making Lily's story both relatable and inspiring. And Lively nails it.
There’s a particularly impactful – yet perhaps a bit too drawn out – scene in which Lily is faced with a crucial decision—whether to continue in an abusive relationship with Ryle or find the strength to leave. The time spent developing their relationship allows us to empathize deeply with Lily's dilemma, making her eventual choice resonate powerfully. It is in these moments that the film truly shines, balancing tension and emotion with grace.
It Ends With Us offers more than just a romantic storyline—it provides insight into the messy, non-linear journeys we all face. It reminds us that we seldom know the full extent of others' struggles, and encourages compassion and understanding. The film succeeds in illustrating that life's path is often fraught with difficult choices and that true resilience comes from making decisions that honor one's self-worth and future happiness.
Though a tad bit long, It Ends With Us is a film that bravely tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and depth, leaving audiences with a lasting impression of hope and the courage to rewrite one's journey. Not to overstate the film’s importance, but perhaps someone can find their own path in the story.
MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Runtime: 130 mins
Director: Jason Baldoni
Writer: Christy Hall
Cast: Blake Lively; Justin Baldoni; Jenny Slate
Genre: Drama | Romance
Tagline: We Love. We Break. We Pick Up the Pieces.
Memorable Movie Quote: "Here, we are family. We harvest. We ferment. We gel."
Theatrical Distributor: Sony Pictures
Official Site:
Release Date: August 9, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Adapted from the Colleen Hoover novel, Lily overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life. A chance meeting with a neurosurgeon sparks a connection but Lily begins to see sides of him that remind her of her parents' relationship.
