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It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover was a novel that garnered significant attention in 2016 for its relentless portrayal of domestic violence and how it can haunt a person. The novel's popularity surged in 2021 when it started trending on TikTok, solidifying its presence on bestseller lists.
Given the book's success, a film adaptation was anticipated. Producer and director Justin Baldoni took on the project and even acted in the movie. It Ends with Us was released in theaters on August 9, 2024. However, translating such a strong and personal story does not come without various challenges, which are apparent in the final product.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on the author's personal opinions.
Plot and adaptation of It Ends With Us
It Ends With Us centers on Lily Bloom, played by Blake Lively, who moves to Boston to open her flower shop. Her life completely turns upside down when she meets the charismatic neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni, leading into a whirlwind romance.
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Troubled by the reappearance of her former boyfriend, Atlas Corrigan, the relationship becomes complicated. The interactions among these three characters make Lily confront her traumatic past and the troubled relationship she has seen between her parents.
While the movie generally remains faithful to Hoover's novel, the shift in the medium, from book to cinema screen, brings several challenges. The narrative swings from the present day to flashbacks of young Lily's years in a somewhat disjointed manner for viewing.
The film tries to hold a tone, but it wobbles between a serious discussion of domestic abuse and heavy melodrama that borders into soap territory. This inconsistency in tone undermines the serious nature of the story and hampers the film's ability to provide any cohesive message.
Characters and performances in It Ends With Us
Blake Lively shines as the central character, playing Lily Bloom. She captures everything from being a determined entrepreneur with a vision to being a battered woman lost in the quagmires of her relationships and the viciousness of the past.
Her portrayal is both vulnerable and resilient, reflecting the inner conflict of the lead character. Still, even her compelling performance cannot rise above these flaws completely.
Justin Baldoni has taken on a challenging role as Ryle Kincaid, the abuser. He puts on quite the bold, intense performance here, although more often than not, with this character's transition from suitor to scary, charming man, it feels overdone.
These shifts in his character's behavior are abrupt and, at times, quite melodramatic, undermining the believability of his portrayal. While the chemistry between Lively and Baldoni is palpable, it doesn't fully compensate for the uneven treatment by the film of the subject matter.
Cinematic and thematic problems in It Ends With Us
One major issue with It Ends With Us is its inconsistent tone. The film struggles to strike a balance between the severity of its subject matter, light-hearted moments, and romantic drama. This makes the viewing experience very disjointed, moving from powerful scenes of emotional intensity to less compelling, melodramatic moments.
The film's attempt to address complex issues like domestic violence is undermined by its focus on a romantic love triangle and the idealization of the characters' lives. The movie also falters when it comes to portraying domestic violence.
The novel gives a nuanced portrayal of the cycle of abuse and its psychological impact, but in the film, it all seems superficial. Romantic settings and the ideal success of Lily's flower shop and Atlas's restaurant further take a toll on the authenticity of the narrative. The glamorous portrayal of the characters' lives lessens the effect of the serious themes that the movie is trying to portray.
It Ends With Us is an effort to create a cinematic adaptation of the real impact of the novel created by Colleen Hoover, but somewhere it misses the line of execution. The hopping tone, light treatment of severe themes, and melodramatic rendition of characters highly deter it from reaping the essence of the book.
