It Ends with Us - A Review

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https://www.itendswithus.movie/

Date Reviewed: 08/08/2024

It Ends with Us, led by director Justin Baldoni and starring the talented Blake Lively, is a cinematic adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestseller. This movie guides viewers through a rollercoaster of emotions within a touching love narrative, shedding light on domestic violence's effects and the triumph over life's challenges. 

The story revolves around Lily Bloom, a woman in her thirties who relocates to Boston following her father's passing to pursue her aspiration of establishing a flower shop. Her encounter with Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon, sets the stage for a series of events. Subsequently, Lily discovers a modest yet inviting soon-to-be flower shop where she encounters Allysa, unexpectedly revealed as Ryle's sister. As Lily becomes enamored with Ryle's charismatic persona, she soon uncovers a darker aspect of his character. The reappearance of her first love, Atlas Corrigan, triggers a reevaluation of her new relationship and unearths buried emotions, leading to upheaval in her established life in the city.

In the movie, Blake Lively captures Lily Bloom's essence, showing her strength and vulnerability. Justin Baldoni's portrayal of Ryle is intense, displaying a mix of strength and arrogance. Jenny Slate brings Alyssa Kincaid’s to life, embodying the character's positivity and energy from the book. Baldoni balances intimate moments with powerful dramatic scenes. The pacing of the film, like Lily’s flashbacks where she reflects on her past self and the gradual reveal of Ryle's controlling behavior towards Lily, allows viewers to connect with the characters' intricate journeys.

While It Ends With Us tries to tackle the tough topic of domestic violence with good intentions, it kind of struggles to get it right. The way the viewers see abuse in the film is a bit all over the place, making it feel like a mix of romantic comedy and serious drama. This up-and-down vibe can make it hard for viewers to connect with the heavy topic of domestic violence. The characters lack depth. For example,Lily's character doesn't really dig deep into her past and her feelings, which leaves her a bit shallow. On the flip side, Ryle's character doesn't quite hit the mark either. His abusive behavior toward Lily seems more like a reflex rather than a thought-out choice. This approach could send the wrong message, hinting that abusers aren't responsible for their actions. Even with its ups and downs in tone and character depth, the film's main message about domestic violence is still worth a watch just for shedding light on this important issue.

In a nutshell, It Ends With Us offers a mix of tones in portraying domestic violence, though it may lack depth in character exploration. Despite its inconsistencies, the film succeeds in talking about the frightful issue of domestic abuse. Overall, it's a movie worth watching for its important message.

Reviewed by Mika Begelfor and Ginger Shen