REVIEW: “It Ends with Us” (2024)

As a woman who has spent decades navigating the tumultuous waters of love and relationships, I found “It Ends with Us” to be a poignant and powerful reflection of the complexities that entangle our hearts. Blake Lively’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, portraying a character whose strength and vulnerability resonated deeply with me.


During his constant worldwide promotional activities for his new superhero adventure, Blake Lively’s current film release is geared towards a distinctly different audience. The movie, “It Ends with Us”, is based on Colleen Hoover’s highly successful novel of the same title. This book was deeply personal for Hoover as it was influenced by the true-life relationship between her parents.

The movie is helmed by Justin Baldoni, based on Christy Hall’s script. Notably, Baldoni takes on a dual role as both director and co-star opposite Blake Lively, who portrays Lily Bloom. The story unfolds as Lily arrives in the quaint town of Plethora, Maine for her father’s funeral in the Northeast. Despite his high standing in the community, her father’s household was a living nightmare for Lily and her mother, Jenny (Amy Morton).

REVIEW: “It Ends with Us” (2024)

The funeral turns out to be an unhappy event, prompting Lily to rush back home to Boston. Her ambition has always been to establish her own flower shop, and she finds the ideal spot for it. Her best friend Allysa (Jenny Slate) offers valuable assistance in getting the business off the ground. However, things take a surprising turn when Lily encounters Allysa’s brother, a charming neurosurgeon named Ryle (Baldoni). They had crossed paths several months ago, but their reunion triggers an unexpected romantic connection.

Simultaneously with the main plot unfolding, Baldoni and Hall frequently take us on trips back to Lily’s teenage years. During these time travels, we encounter a parallel storyline featuring a young character named Lily (portrayed by talented Isabela Ferrer). This younger Lily befriends and eventually falls for a troubled boy from the neighborhood named Atlas (Alexander Neustaedter). Initially, it takes some time before the context of the flashback story becomes clear. It’s not until later that we grasp its relevance to the overall narrative.

Lily’s life becomes intricate when she encounters Atlas (portrayed by Brandon Sklenar) for the first time since their teenage years, stirring up old emotions despite her loyalty towards Ryle. However, this dedication is tested as their relationship undergoes a sudden and distressing change, awakening unsettling recollections of Lily’s abusive father. The film then takes an unexpected turn, transitioning from typical soap opera-like drama to something more profound.

REVIEW: “It Ends with Us” (2024)

Right off the bat, I’d say that Blake Lively is the beating heart of this movie. Her performance is sincere and captures both strength and fragility flawlessly, even when the script veers towards the overly sentimental. She shoulders most of the film, appearing in almost every scene outside of flashbacks, and in many ways, she’s the one who keeps the movie afloat amidst its inconsistencies. Lively infuses the story with emotional depth that is crucial to its overall impact. Without her performance, it’s hard to envision the film managing to stay buoyant.

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2024-08-10 17:56