It Ends With Us Movie Review
Its end with us review 2024
Introduction
Blake Lively is set to join Ryan Reynolds at the top of
the box office this weekend with the release of It Ends With Us. As a movie fan
and critic, I decided to delve into this new film, which appears to be poised
as a sleeper hit for the summer. Directed by Justin Baldoni, known for Five
Feet Apart (2019), the film is based on the best-selling novel by Colleen
Hoover. Despite its literary success, I must admit that I went into this movie
blind, having never heard of the book or the author before seeing the trailers.
Here's my detailed review of It Ends With Us.
Background and Source Material
The film's screenplay was adapted by Christy Hall,
whose debut as a writer and director, Daddyo, was released earlier this year.
The original novel, which became a New York Times bestseller and a TikTok
sensation, has had tremendous success, especially in 2022 and 2023. For those,
like myself, who may not be familiar with Hoover’s work, It Ends With Us tells
a story that may initially seem like a soapy melodrama, but ultimately delves
into much deeper issues.
Story Overview
Blake Lively stars as Lily Bloom, a florist who
recently opened her own flower shop in Boston. She crosses paths with a
charming neurosurgeon named Riley Kincaid. Initially, the film gives off the
vibe of a typical romantic drama, but soon reveals a darker, more complex
narrative. Lily’s seemingly perfect relationship with Riley takes a sinister
turn as his true nature surfaces, leading her down a path that mirrors her
mother’s troubled past.
Director Justin Baldoni also portrays the character of
Riley, adding another layer to the film’s exploration of abuse and
manipulation. Lily’s old flame, Atlas Coran, played by 1923’s Brandon Sklenar,
reappears, pushing her to confront Riley’s abusive behavior and consider
leaving him. This love triangle, however, is not the central focus of the
movie. Instead, It Ends With Us tackles the cycles of abuse and the lies
victims tell themselves to maintain the illusion of a healthy relationship.
Performances and Character Dynamics
Blake Lively anchors the film with a strong portrayal
of Lily, navigating the character’s emotional turmoil with grace. Her chemistry
with Justin Baldoni’s Riley is palpable, making the subsequent unraveling of
their relationship all the more impactful. Baldoni’s portrayal of Riley, a
seemingly perfect man with a dark side, brings a chilling realism to the story.
Lively’s interactions with Sklenar’s Atlas add some balance to the heavy
themes, although his character can feel somewhat shoehorned into the narrative
at times.
Themes and Execution
The movie’s most compelling element is its depiction of
the psychological effects of domestic abuse. The story becomes less about
romance and more about the mental and emotional struggle of breaking free from
toxic patterns. As Lily’s relationship with Riley deteriorates, the film
explores how abusers can manipulate their victims into questioning their own
reality.
While the film does lean into melodrama, it manages to
avoid trivializing the serious subject matter it addresses. There are genuinely
frightening moments, not because Riley is overtly evil, but because he’s so
adept at hiding his true nature that even Lily doubts herself. This nuanced
portrayal is a stark reminder of the living hell that many abuse victims endure
daily.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film’s strength lies in its commitment to
portraying the complexities of abusive relationships without resorting to
sensationalism or cliches. However, the inclusion of the love triangle with
Atlas feels somewhat contrived, likely added to appeal to a broader audience.
This subplot dilutes the film’s focus at times but doesn’t completely derail
the main narrative.
Adaptation and Audience Reception
Given that I’m not familiar with the book, I can’t
compare the movie’s fidelity to the source material. From what I’ve gathered,
there are criticisms that the book doesn’t go far enough in its conclusions
about abuse. However, I believe that Christy Hall’s screenplay succeeds in
presenting a more refined narrative, elevating the material to some extent.
Final Thoughts
It Ends With Us may not be a perfect movie, but it’s an
important one. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about an issue that
is often hidden from view. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly
truths of domestic abuse, and if it encourages even one viewer to recognize
these patterns in their own lives, then it’s a success in my book. Despite its
pulpy elements, the story has enough depth and emotional resonance to make it
worth a watch.
Summery
It Ends With Us is a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, directed by Justin Baldoni and starring Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, a florist in Boston who falls for charming neurosurgeon Riley Kincaid. What starts as a seemingly typical romance soon delves into darker themes as Riley’s abusive behavior surfaces, mirroring Lily’s mother’s troubled past. The film explores the psychological effects of abuse, avoiding cliches while maintaining emotional depth. While the love triangle subplot feels contrived, the movie's portrayal of domestic violence is nuanced and impactful. Despite some flaws, it’s an important story that raises awareness.
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