It Ends with Us, directed by Justin Baldoni and based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel (of course we all know this!), seeks to blend a romance story with the serious subject of abuse.
With a star-studded ensemble led by Blake Lively, the film depicts the emotional turmoil of a woman stuck between two very different men, each symbolizing opposite sides of love and life.
If you’ve read the book and are now wondering how its movie adaptation is, keep reading this article to know if the movie adaptation is worth a watch or not.
A Love Triangle in It Ends With Us
Lily Blossom Bloom is a lady who, despite her tragic childhood, is determined to start over in Boston. She’s about to fulfil her ambition of owning a flower store until she meets Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon with charisma.
Ryle’s polished facade and attractive persona quickly attract Lily, but as their relationship progresses, dangerous sides of Ryle’s personality emerge, mirroring the abusive behavior Lily observed in her parents’ marriage.
As Lily’s connection with Ryle becomes deeper, her history and present collide when she reconnects with Atlas Corrigan, a past lover and childhood friend. Atlas represents Lily’s previous being and provides a potential escape from the troubled relationship she is now in.
This love triangle acts as the film’s core tension, as Lily must negotiate her emotions and decide which path will take her to a more secure, fulfilled future.
On the surface, It Ends with Us appears to be an extensive examination of the psychological and emotional scars caused by abusive relationships. The film seeks to illustrate the cycle of abuse in a nuanced manner, demonstrating how individuals who have undergone trauma frequently repeat patterns from their past.
While the film touches on these essential subjects, it fails to delve deeper into the nuances of its characters’ motivations.
One of the major flaws of It Ends with Us is its focus on dramatization. While Lily and Ryle’s romance begins with a series of pleasant, albeit stereotypical meetings, it quickly devolves into a familiar pattern of tension and conflict.
Ryle’s dark side, which was hinted at early on, becomes more apparent, but the script does little to investigate the underlying causes of his behavior or the impact it has on Lily beyond surface-level reactions.
The portrayal of abuse is simplistic, with no opportunity to dive into the psychological complexities that make such situations so devastating and difficult to leave.
Shallow Exploration of Complex Themes
The concept of It Ends With Us suggests a potentially intriguing drama. The story revolves around themes of love, trauma, and self-discovery, all wrapped up in a romantic triangle.
However, the film fails to realize its full dramatic potential. The adaptation, we noticed, is visually appealing but lacks in-depth analysis of the topics that are mentioned.
However, Blake Lively‘s portrayal of Lily is good enough and engaging. She imbues Lily with warmth and humanity, making her emotional difficulties and romantic dilemmas relatable on a fundamental level.
Despite Lively’s great performance, the film’s storyline lacks the depth to completely establish Lily’s character or relationships. The film’s portrayal of Lily’s pain and recovery appears more like a setting for a romance plot than a deeply researched inner journey.
The script of It Ends With Us, while occasionally basic, captures some of the novel’s emotional core. The end effect is a film that feels both grand and shallow, failing to truly explore the complexity of its source material.
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Conclusion
It Ends with Us offers a visually appealing adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, with Blake Lively delivering a compelling performance as Lily. However, the film falls short of fully exploring the emotional and psychological complexities of its central themes, particularly the impact of abuse.
While it touches on important issues, the story remains superficial, focusing more on the romantic drama than on the deeper narrative potential. Fans of the book may find some satisfaction in the adaptation, but the film ultimately lacks the depth and nuance needed to make it a truly impactful experience.