8 It Ends With Us Needle Drops, Ranked by How Distracting They Are

As a music enthusiast and avid film critic who has witnessed countless movie soundtracks that either elevate or detract from the storyline, I must say that the selection of songs in “It Ends With Us” is a rollercoaster ride that mirrors the emotional turbulence portrayed onscreen.

“It Ends With Us” doesn’t rely heavily on subtlety. The movie is characterized by glitzy gowns and Blake Lively’s large red wig. Lively’s character, a florist named Lily Blossom Bloom, clearly states the film’s title multiple times. However, if you’re seeking intricate plot developments or deep character studies from this film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, you might be disappointed. The music in the soundtrack is used to express emotions more forcefully than the script does. If you step out during a crucial moment, don’t worry, a song from Spotify’s Sad Girl Autumn playlist will summarize what happened for you when you come back.

Hoover’s book, which draws on her personal encounters with domestic violence during her upbringing, received mixed reviews when it came out in 2016. Some people admired how the author tackled sensitive issues, but others argued that the narrative gave an overly romanticized portrayal of abusive relationships. The movie adaptation’s script is more elegantly written than Hoover’s book, but its soundtrack falls short. However, certain melodies in the score come close to glamorizing the serious themes, and the potential issue here lies in distracting viewers from the film altogether.

In the movie “It Ends With Us,” the song selections are so direct that it becomes challenging to single out the one that could be the most disruptive. Is it the tune that syncs with the characters enacting the lyrics? Could it be the ballad sung by the lead actor’s highly recognized friend? Or perhaps it’s the one about being consumed like smoked leather? We sifted through them all, arranging each from least to most disruptive, as a helpful guide for those with limited focus. Essentially, this is a heads-up for… hold on, let me gather my thoughts. Apologies for the interruption. In essence, you’ve been advised.

8. Ethel Cain, “Everytime”

As a cinephile, I’m reflecting on the poignant use of Ethel Cain’s cover of Britney Spears’s “Everytime” in the movie’s ending. After Lily reconciles with her estranged husband, Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni, who also directed the film), and rekindles her relationship with her teenage sweetheart Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), the song plays during the credits. The lyrics, “My weakness caused you pain,” resonate deeply as we see Ryle’s struggle with his anger issues that led to losing Lily in the first place. It’s intriguing why the filmmakers chose to close with Ryle’s perspective, adding a layer of complexity and empathy to the storyline.

How annoying has it been so far? After two hours and ten minutes, the movie has finally ended, which means there isn’t much more left to draw our attention away. In other words, this sound interruption is relatively minor, comparable to attempting to write an essential email while dealing with a papercut.

7. Aldous Harding, “Horizon”

How is this scene played out? In one of the most tense moments in the entire movie, Ryle forces Lily onto the ground and kisses her harshly while she pleads for him to stop. It’s hard to watch, but then all the built-up tension dissipates from the film when Aldous Harding’s “Horizon” begins to play. Seeking refuge, Lily runs to Atlas’s apartment where he attends to her injuries, all while Harding sings, “I’ll fill the bowl with water for your wounds, dear.” This scene is so straightforward that it might as well be a mole on the movie’s face.

Is it somewhat disconcerting? The tune doesn’t entirely pull you away from the narrative – it’s more like an odd sensation watching the performers lip-sync to Harding’s lyrics. You can manage if you focus, much like resisting a free sample of aged gouda when you’re rushing to shop at Trader Joe’s.

6. Lana Del Rey, “Cherry”

As a movie buff, I’d say this tune works wonderfully to set the scene of the sprawling Boston skyline, but it feels out of place when subtly depicting a tumultuous love story. Interestingly enough, my character Lily finds herself in the same city as Atlas, who happens to be running one of the hottest new eateries in town. In an unexpected twist, Lily’s best friend Allysa (Jenny Slate) shares her pregnancy news at this restaurant. The lyrics of Lana Del Rey resonate with me as I struggle to navigate my complex emotions, symbolized by the tattered remnants of my ‘rose garden dreams.’ With a hidden shiner, Lily grapples with her feelings towards the two men in her life, all while trying to maintain friendships and forge new relationships.

How much of a distraction does it provide? The tune immediately transports your thoughts away from pregnant Jenny Slate and back to 2012, when people were upset with Del Rey for romanticizing similar themes as Hoover’s book. However, the music aligns with the movie’s theme, and fortunately, they didn’t opt for “Ultraviolence.”

5. Taylor Swift, “My Tears Ricochet”

How is this song employed? The soothing sounds of Taylor Swift’s “My Tears Ricochet” from her album “Folklore” are heard as a backdrop to an autumnal scene in Maine. It seems that Swift intended for her music to be used only in settings that align with the woodland theme of “Folklore.” Taylor Swift described this song as depicting “an embittered tormentor attending the funeral of his former love interest.” In this case, the song is utilized in a scene where Lily’s tormentor pleads with his wife to return home. The lyrics, “I can go anywhere I want, just not home,” from the bridge of the song are softly played during this dialogue exchange.

How much does it interrupt your focus is it? If you were truly engrossed in the unfolding drama, Swift’s song suddenly breaks in, serving as a reminder that you are watching a movie starring Blake Lively. Given her celebrity status and close friendship with Taylor Swift, it’s like a subtle advertisement urging you to purchase all the different versions of ‘Folklore’. This is much like a Josie and the Pussycats-style subliminal message for merchandise promotion.

4. Ethel Cain, “Strangers”

How is it employed? A haunting melody by Ethel Cain plays during a moment when Lily contemplatively gazes at the city from a rooftop, reflecting on her father’s aggression. This musical piece, titled a “needle drop,” features lyrics about a tumultuous relationship that culminates in the narrator being consumed, followed by Ryle angrily storming onto the roof and overturning a chair.

As a longtime music enthusiast who has spent countless hours watching performances, I can confidently say that it’s incredibly challenging to remain focused when listening to Ethel Cain’s songs about being “devoured like smoked bovine hide.” With my personal experience of trying to pay attention during her concerts, I can attest that her intense and thought-provoking lyrics tend to be quite distracting. It’s as if the vivid imagery she creates pulls you into another world, making it difficult to keep your mind on whatever was initially captivating you onscreen.

3. Lewis Capaldi, “Love the Hell Out of You”

In a powerful and resounding manner, “Love the Hell Out of You” echoes profoundly during the last scenes of “It Ends With Us,” as Lily and Atlas passionately kiss. The song’s volume is such that it leaves no room for doubt—Atlas will love her deeply! Lily has managed to break free from her abuser, proving the film’s title true, but the audience finds themselves overwhelmed by the most forceful song ever composed.

How startling is it? The tune seems to resemble a sudden shock just before the end titles appear. It’s as noisy and attention-grabbing as actress Lively’s four children will likely be while she eagerly awaits the Oscar nominations in early January, her fingers crossed.

2. Fatboy Slim, “Praise You”

What’s the way it’s employed? Often, couples opt for “Islands in the Stream” when they grab karaoke microphones, but not Ryle and Lily! Instead, they’re choosing Fatboy Slim’s 1998 hit track, leaving us captivated as we witness every moment. The song oscillates between diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, creating a sense of uncertainty if this romantic karaoke scene will conclude or if it’s stuck in an eternal loop, doomed to watch these characters sing together endlessly. Amid the singing scenes, Ryle expresses his affection for Lily, showering her with praise as one should.

How much does it divert my attention, if I may rephrase it, feels like recalling the fact that Rita Ora made it to No. 1 on dance charts with her cover of this song in 2023.

1. Birdy, “Skinny Love”

What’s its purpose in the movie? Birdy’s cover of Bon Iver’s poignant ballad from 2011, “Bananees and Avocadees,” brilliantly fits a flashback scene where young Lily (Isabela Ferrer) passionately interacts with Atlas (Alex Neustaedter). The song becomes even more melancholic when Lily’s father storms in, slams the door open, and attacks Atlas, almost killing him. This scene is heart-wrenching and marks the film’s emotional high point. But then, suddenly, it seems like Lively, Hoover, Bon Iver, and Birdy are all addressing you directly, hinting that this particular moment takes place during the early 2010s.

Is it quite disruptive for your concentration, given that you find yourself unable to recall when last you intentionally enjoyed a Bon Iver tune? Could this be similar to the experience of attendees at Kamala’s rally where distractions made it difficult to focus on the event itself?

2024-08-13 01:54