“It Ends With Us”, directed by Justin Baldoni (Who also stars in the film) and starring Blake Lively is based on the romance novel of the same name by Colleen Hoover. The film is a beautifully written and directed love story that shines through its remarkable cast of talented actors. Not to mention, it has an amazing soundtrack.
The film captures your attention from the very beginning and maintains it throughout, the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks interwoven with present-day events weaving a narrative rich with complex layers and intense emotions. If you go in to the theatre as simply a movie fan without having read the book or having watched a single trailer, you will be all the more surprised by what unfolds, it may be even more effective and entertaining to watch.
The film follows the story of Lily Blossom Bloom, who lives in Boston and is currently opening her own flower shop. The film starts at Lily’s father’s funeral, who she realises she cant bring herself to eulagise because he was abusive to her mother. In Boston, Lily meets neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni) and sparks begin to fly. Though they initially seek different things—Lily wants commitment, Ryle prefers casual relationships—they eventually begin a romance. While we see that happening present day, we also see the story of Lily’s first love with Atlas unfold in the past. Young Lily is played by Isabela Ferrer and Young Atlas is played by Alex Neustaedter. When Lily’s father finds her together with Atlas, he beats him close to death, and she doesnt see him again. That is until, now. After an eight-year stint in the Marines, Atlas (Brandon Sklenar) now owns a restaurant in Boston called Root, and Lily’s world is about to be turned upside down.
Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Meanwhile, Ryle’s temper has started to show, and we start to see a pattern of abusive behaviour from him which sadly eventualy results in Lily taking him back. Baldoni’s direction is meticulous, guiding the audience through an intense story that explores heavy themes of abuse and the nature of repeating bad patterns after having witnessed harmful behavior. Along with Lively and his own intense performances, this vital topic is dealt with onscreen incredibly well, although in a mild manner, it was still shown in such a way that has a lasting effect on the audience.
The performances in “It Ends With Us” are nothing short of extraordinary. Blake Lively delivers a tour de force performance as Lilly, fully immersing herself in the role and delivering one of her most compelling performances since “The Shallows” (2016). Her portrayal is both raw and nuanced, underscoring the film’s exploration of how people can inadvertently repeat destructive patterns. Lively’s portrayal showcases a remarkable evolution from a victim of abuse to a resilient, independent woman who finds love once more. Her journey is compelling to watch, with each stage of Lily’s transformation powerfully conveyed. Particularly notable is the scene where Lily says, “It ends with us.” This film highlights Lively’s impressive range and depth as an actress. Her performance beautifully captures Lily’s strength and vulnerability, demonstrating the full extent of her talent.
Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Justin Baldoni who pulled double duty as director, delivers a standout performance as Ryle Kincaid, a character who evolves significantly throughout the film. Initially, Ryle appears as a straightforward playboy, declaring, “Love isn’t for me; lust is nice,” which sets the tone for his initial persona. As the story unfolds, Baldoni skillfully reveals deeper layers of Ryle: his possessive nature, his anger, and his capacity for violence, alongside his moments of remorse. Baldoni navigates these complex facets of the character with exceptional skill and depth, making his performance truly compelling.
Courtesy of Sony Pictures
“It Ends With Us” is an emotionally gripping film that benefits from strong direction and powerful writing, a gripping tale of love and pain powered by stellar performances. It’s a moving and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Now playing in cinemas everywhere.
Fangirl and Writer with a huge passion for entertainment.
