It Ends with Us is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Colleen Hoover. It is a romance novel published in August 2016, but it is one based on her parents’ relationship (Wikipedia). I have not read the novel and without research, I was not aware of the theme of domestic violence that existed in said parents’ marriage, and the impact it has on their daughter. Book Plot (Wikipedia) “College graduate Lily Bloom moves to Boston with hopes of opening her own floral shop. She has recently given a eulogy at her father’s funeral in her hometown of Plethora, Maine. Her father abused her mother, who kept the abuse a secret, leading Lily to resent both of them.”
Overall, I enjoyed the film, but as the topic of partner and domestic abuse is introduced, it is almost as if the topic was to be kept to a minimum. I cannot help but wonder why the film adaptation, written by Christy Hall (Daddio), has such strong and frequent scenes of romance, wealth and celebrations, leaving the violence to appear as if it was not to be given the same level of emphasis. Yes, the violence is acknowledged and presented for the film adaptation by the filmmakers, but the balance is not there to show the depth of the impact on the protagonist, Lily Bloom (Blake Lively, who is excellent in the role).
The darker parts of the real behavior of the abuser, her “friend” who she ends up marrying Ryle (Justin Baldoni, who is also the director of the film) are either downplayed by the writer or edited out at some point. Anyone who has had the experience of an abusive person, or anyone who has worked in social services where abuse is reported will know more of the real trauma suffered by the individual. This is the main critique of the adaptation, but I am glad the book and film are bringing partner abuse to the forefront. If the topic is wrapped in flowers, pretty clothes and in wealthy neighborhoods, ok, but it also brings awareness that violence occurs across all economic levels of households.
Lily Bloom (Lively) has returned to Maine to join her mother, Jenny (Amy Morton), at her father’s funeral. Her actions and behavior give the impression she does not want to be there, nor does she want to pretend to speak about him. From the flashbacks seen in the film, the audience learns of the history of her parents’ relationship that leads her to be this way. The flashbacks also introduce her youthful days (played by Isabella Ferrer) with her first love, Atlas (Alex Neustaedter as young Atlas). Atlas too has issues at home and knows what violence looks like all too well.
Lily leaves Maine for Boston where she wants to give life to her dream of being a flower shop entrepreneur. One evening she finds her way to the rooftop of a complex to enjoy the view and tranquility, but that is soon interrupted by Ryle Kinkaid (Justin Baldoni, who is also the director). She is a bit skeptical of his outburst as he enters the rooftop, but he makes no pretense at all about just wanting casual relations. She is not taking the bait and thankfully, he is on call and leaves for work.
The film then shows her new shop and Allysa (Jenny Slate) enters from the street, offering to help and also become friends. Soon after the shop is open, Allysa’s husband Marshall (Hasan Minhaj) and brother enter to see where Allysa is spending time. Guess what? Ryle just happens to be the brother. The more Lily wants to stay as friends, but not accepting “no,” Ryle is more determined to get what he wants. There she goes and slowly she is missing his manipulation and real personality.
After years of not seeing or hearing about Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), Lily recognizes him at a high-end restaurant she is dining at with her mother (and Ryle who invites himself). Oh yes, there is drama – Ryle acts like a street fighter and Atlas does not put up with it – in the restaurant. All in front of her mother who moments earlier thought Ryle was perfect. Sklenar is charming and has natural chemistry with Lively, looking as if they are the two teens who had just been together recently. Oh yeah, Ryle notices.
It Ends with Us is a good film and one that has good performances. I do have to say Jenny Slate can be a scene stealer in the film and portrays a great friend to Lively’s Lily Bloom – trying to warn her about Ryle. Baldoni and cinematographer Barry Peterson do capture some excellent shots when emphasizing certain scenes.
The PG-13 rating keeps the violence from going into the R rating, but there is enough to see what Lily begins to go through with Ryle, after living through her father’s violence in the flashbacks.
Runtime is 130 minutes. The film is now in theaters as of August 9, 2024.
Source: Colombia Pictures
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