The 2024 film adaptation It Ends With Us, based on the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover, is an emotional and thought-provoking film that dives deep into themes of love, trauma, and self-discovery. Directed by Justin Baldoni with sensitivity and care, the movie captures the essence of the book while adding layers of complexity to the characters and their relationships. You are able to see all of that not just in the movie but in the book as well. Most of the time we are only able to see emotions in movies but you are also able to feel them while reading the book.
Lily Bloom moves to Boston to chase her lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid soon sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, she begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parent’s relationship. When Lily’s first love, Atlas Corrigan, suddenly reenters her life, her relationship with Ryle gets upended, leaving her with an impossible choice.
It Ends With Us apart from a typical romance drama is its raw portrayal of domestic abuse and the difficult choices that come with it. The film doesn’t take away from showing the cycle of abuse and how it can be difficult to break free from, even when the person involved loves you. Blake Lively’s performance is powerful, as she navigates Lily’s vulnerability, strength, and inner conflict with incredible depth. Justin Baldoni also impresses, bringing multiple portrayals of Ryle that make him both charming and at times unsettling. The chemistry between the leads is electric, which makes the story’s darker turns all the more heartbreaking.
The cinematography and score complement the film’s mood perfectly, heightening the tension in pivotal scenes and giving the audience room to feel the emotional weight of the story. The film’s pacing is solid, though the second act occasionally feels rushed, particularly in its handling of Atlas’s storyline. However, the film finds its footing again in its powerful, bittersweet conclusion, offering a satisfying yet poignant resolution that stays true to the novel’s message. In a scene we are able to see Lily Bloom, who buried her father twelve hours prior, sitting on the ledge of a rooftop of a building she doesn’t live in, thinking about the stars and death which shows us a sense of cinematography.
In conclusion, It Ends with Us stands out as a powerful exploration of love and personal strength. Its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of relationships contribute to a captivating narrative. It sheds light on the complexities of abusive relationships and the courage it takes to break free from them. Through Lily’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of self-love, forgiveness, and the ability to create our own happy endings, even in the face of adversity.
