It Ends with Us is an American romantic drama film set to be released in 2024, directed by Justin baldoni. The film portrays the blossoming story of love between Lily Bloom, played by Blake Lively and Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Justin Baldoni who fight the much advanced issue of domestic violence and relapse. This story is inspired based on the 2016 novel “It Ends with Us”, written by Colleen Hoover. The film further seeks to explore the intertwining aspects of love and abusive relationships and human growth.
Summary
The story shows the struggles of Lily Bloom, a headstrong young woman who dreams of becoming a florist and moving to Boston opens a flower shop. Life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Ryle Kincaid, a charmingly arrogant neurosurgeon. Their relationship blossoms rapidly as they become closer to each other. But to Lily’s dismay, Ryle does exhibit some sadly familiar abusive traits which take her battling parental marriage a step further .It further complicates when her first love, Atlas Corrigan makes a re-entry in her life and forces her to confront her past and determine her future at crossroads.
Cast and Characters
Blake Lively as Lily Bloom: Lively is set to play the protagonist, and her emotionally charged story arc promises to be violent and gentile at the same time as the character refrines herself through the myriad challenges of Lily Blumen.
Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid: As Ryle, Baldoni infuses a successful neurosurgeon with charm and deeper issues, embodying a character that struggles with his inner demons.
Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan: Sklenar stereotypes the role of Lily’s ex boyfriend as caring and compassionate towards her which serves as a stark contrast to Ryle’s aggression.
Jenny Slate as Allysa: Slate rounds out the cast as Allysa, Ryle’s sister, who acts as Lily’s supporting friend guiding her throughout the struggle.
Hasan Minhaj as Marshall: Minhaj plays Marshall, Allysa’s husband, who tells an engaging story with warmth and humor.
Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter as Young Lily and Young Atlas: These depictions capture the shared past of Lily and Atlas, bringing emotional context to the story.
Production Information
Director: Justin Baldoni
Screenwriter: Christy Hall
Executive Producers: Alex Saks, Jamey Heath, Blake Lively, and Christy Hall
Cinematography by: Barry Peterson
Editing by: Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan
Music by: Rob Simonsen and Duncan Blickenstaff
Film Duration: 130 minutes
Language of Film: English
Financial Information:
Production budget was set to $25 million
Box office grossed at $351 million worldwide.
Film Themes and Analysis
The film It Ends with Us deals with the sensitive issues of domestic abuse. The film depicts abuse and its cyclical nature, the difficulty in escaping a toxic relationship, and the strength needed to make oneself in control of their life. It demonstrates Lily’s internal conflict between love and self-preservation, which reflects on the complexity victims have to go through.
But it also covers powerful support systems, as showcased through Lily’s relationships with her former colleagues, Allysa and Atlas. Above all, these connections demonstrate empathy and its role in healing which directly portrays the concept of personal growth.
Critics review
The film was received with a mix of critical reviews. Some praised performances of the film, especially Lively’s portrayal of lily accompanied with the film’s tackling of intricate themes. Others were critical with lack of depth in exploring the psychological aspects of abuse.
Although the It Ends with Us didn’t receive favorable reviews from critics, it certainly had an impact as a film, especially for those who had read the book. Indeed, its commercial success, grossing over $350 million worldwide, showcased its relevance alongside the notable following that Hoover’s novel had.
Controversies
The production underwent a myriad of controversies. It has claimed that tensions grew between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in post-production where it is said they both had differing cuts for the film. Furthermore, Lively received backlash for ignoring the domestic violence aspect of the film’s narrative during her promotions, while simultaneously conditioning her brands.
Lively filed a sexual harassment and intimidation lawsuit against Baldoni and his production company in December 2024. He, of course, denied these claims and counter-sued Lively—and her husband Ryan Reynolds, alongside her publicist—defamation for claiming without evidence that he was an escort for her during the divorce proceedings. Lively’s claim based listing zero evidence would cost them all a substantial amount of money.
Conclusion
It Ends with Us is one of the best movies based on Colleen Hoover’s novel as it effectively explores the struggle of overcoming relationships rooted in abuse. Even though the film had numerous production hurdles and was not received well by critics, it was successful at the box office and in starting important societal discussions. Hoover’s character of Lily Bloom beautifully encapsulates the human spirit and the strength we possess when it comes to making decisions that are in our best interest.
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