It Ends With Us is another attempt to bring to life Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel of 2016 when directed by Justin Baldoni. The movie deals with different themes such as love, trauma, abuse, healing, and so on, with Blake Lively behind the camera. It could do well with some lighter hand at execution. It could never keep the audience interested really.
A Heavy Story With Romantical Overtones
From the start, It Ends with Us sets that are not even close to a romance-comedy fluff. As the story progresses, it remains focused on Lily Bloom played by Blake Lively, this woman sullied by whatever happened in her past and yearning for love. The opening shot depicts Lily at her father’s funeral. A poignant scene finds her speechless during his eulogy, unable to find the words to mesh her feelings.
Shortly afterward, she encounters the charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni). The encounter becomes magical against the backdrop of a romantic city. Ryle’s charm coupled with confidence sweeps Lily off her feet. Meanwhile, Ryle insists on casual relationships and doesn’t believe in commitment. However, their bond slowly becomes tight and profound, something that Lily wishes to experience for it to grant her longed-for love.
But the movies frequently jump between the present and Lily’s past. Flashbacks introduce a younger Lily (Isabela Ferrer) and Atlas Corrigan, a homeless boy with whom she has her first love. Such moments help explain all of Lily’s suffering in the present. Years later, Atlas returns, again played by Brandon Sklenar, shaking up Lily’s relationship with Ryle.
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A Clumsy Approach to Domestic Abuse
One of the salient themes of It Ends With Us is domestic abuse. With raw honesty, Hoover spoke to the subject, winning great acclaim for its portrayal of painfully realistic situations. Unfortunately, no match for the depth found in the book does it with the film.
In those abuse scenes, it would look very restrained, close to sanitized. Perhaps for one reason, to not make an overly sensationalized subject come in this film, but here again, it is kind of the opposite effect. One does not feel close and present; he is distanced while suffering from Lily.
Weak is the justification used to explain the abusive behavior of Ryle. It seems glossed over, watering down what his acts should feel. Just as essential to the story is the fact that Lily exits from the cycle of abuse where she is; it progresses way too fast.
Excellent Performances with Very Restricted Potential
Blake Lively is brilliant as Lily Bloom. She does vulnerability and strength subtly. However, the screenplay often doesn’t let her reveal much emotion, so she doesn’t get to shine to the fullest.
Justin Baldoni, who also directs, is charming as well as menacing as Ryle. His transformation from being loving to violent is too sudden and lacks the subtlety required to make it credible.
Brandon Sklenar’s Atlas is another likable character but so underutilized. When he returns to Lily’s life, he should bring hope and tension, but it doesn’t pan out. Jenny Slate is warm and funny as Allysa, but she spends most of the film on the sidelines.
Hasan Minhaj brings some much-needed relief with his brief scenes as Allysa’s husband, Marshall.
Missed Opportunities and Pacing Issues
At 130 minutes, the movie feels far longer than it has to be. There are just a few emotional punches key moments get but drag where they should not. One of these places is when at the hospital Lily has agreed on a baby name and their divorce, too melodramatic. In reality, scenes risk unintended laughter rather than sympathy.
The script also lacks some major scenes of the book. Some of the moments that were crucial in the novel are missing, which fans would have liked to see. Therefore, the emotional transformation, especially of Lily towards empowerment, is henceforth weakened.
A Glimpse Into Trauma and Healing
Despite its flaws, It Ends With Us tries to grapple with some of the most important issues. The movie shows how childhood trauma affects a person and how it shapes relationships. Lily, Ryle, and Atlas are all products of their pasts and struggle to get free.
Final Thoughts
It Ends With Us had the potential to be a strong, thought-provoking film. With such great source material and talented actors, it could have been an impactful portrayal of love and abuse. Instead, the movie feels uneven, not able to strike the right balance between beauty and emotional depth.
Anchored by Blake Lively, the film is not supported by a script and direction. Glossy visuals and restrained storytelling fail to capture the raw intensity of Colleen Hoover’s novel.
For the lovers of the book, It Ends With Us could be lost. To others, it might appear to be some melodrama with pretty faces against picture-perfect settings. While the film purports to do justice to these themes, it does so with a hesitance that makes the audience hope for more.
In the end, It Ends With Us is a book about love, healing, and strength. But it fails to provide the emotional payoff the story deserves.
