It Ends with Us (2024): Blake Lively in a Heart-Wrenching Tale

 

It Ends With Us (2024) Movie Review: A Bold, Emotional Rollercoaster That Will Leave You Thinking

Let’s be honest, when Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us became a bestseller, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood swooped in to turn it into a movie. And here we are! Directed by Justin Baldoni and starring Blake Lively and Justin himself, the film adaptation of It Ends with Us (2024) is finally out and causing all kinds of reactions—exactly what you’d expect when a beloved book makes the jump to the big screen.

Whether you’re a fan of the book or just stumbled into this movie because Blake Lively is in it, one thing’s for sure: this movie is going to make you feel. But does it live up to the intense emotions of the book? Let's dive into a conversational review that dissects what worked, what didn’t, and why this film has people talking.

A Quick Recap: What’s the Story?

If you’re not familiar with the plot, here’s a quick overview. It Ends with Us centers around Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a young woman with a complicated past who moves to Boston to open her own flower shop. Life seems to be going pretty well for her—she’s living her dream and soon starts a passionate romance with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), a brilliant, driven neurosurgeon. But as Lily’s relationship with Ryle deepens, she starts to see red flags that take her back to her childhood memories of growing up in an abusive household.

The story tackles the complex issue of domestic abuse, showing how love, even when it’s strong, can sometimes coexist with trauma and toxic patterns. The movie is layered with intense emotions, and its central theme is all about breaking free from generational cycles of abuse.

Blake Lively as Lily Bloom: A Hit or Miss?

Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. When Blake Lively was first cast as Lily, the internet had opinions. In the book, Lily is described as a younger woman in her twenties with auburn hair, and Blake—who's older and a natural blonde—didn't quite match fans' vision. That said, age aside, Blake Lively delivers a nuanced performance that really captures the inner conflict and strength of Lily.

Lively does an amazing job of bringing Lily’s vulnerability to life, especially during the more emotional scenes where you see her wrestle with her feelings for Ryle and her past with Atlas (played by Brandon Sklenar). You can see her pain, hope, and resilience all wrapped up in one complicated package. It’s clear that Blake Lively understood the assignment—she makes Lily feel real, like someone you know or have known.

But does she look like Lily? Maybe not exactly how fans pictured her, but it’s a performance that will make you forget all that after about 20 minutes into the film.

Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid: The Charm and the Conflict

Justin Baldoni not only directs the film but also plays Ryle, which is a bold move, and it mostly pays off. Ryle is one of the most complicated characters in It Ends with Us. He’s charismatic, successful, and head-over-heels in love with Lily—but he’s also deeply flawed and prone to violent outbursts, which makes for an uncomfortable, conflicted character. One minute you want to root for him; the next, you can’t stand him.

Baldoni brings a layered performance to the character, making Ryle’s darker moments all the more unsettling because of how charming he is when things are good. You can see why Lily falls for him, which makes it all the more heartbreaking when their relationship begins to crumble.

One thing Baldoni nails in his portrayal is showing the slow, creeping nature of abuse. It’s not always dramatic at first; it’s subtle, hidden under love and good intentions. But when things spiral out of control, you really feel the weight of the situation.

There are moments when the script could’ve done more to highlight Ryle’s internal struggle, but Baldoni’s performance brings enough tension to make it work.

The Atlas Corrigan Dilemma

Now, let’s talk about Atlas, Lily’s first love. Brandon Sklenar steps into the role, and let’s just say, fans of Atlas from the book will not be disappointed. If there’s one character everyone was hoping to see brought to life perfectly, it was Atlas. He’s that “what if?” love, the one who represents everything Lily wishes she could have but has already left behind. His reappearance in her life throws everything into chaos and makes Lily question her current choices.

Sklenar plays Atlas with a quiet strength and sincerity that makes him feel like a safe harbor in the middle of the storm that is Lily’s relationship with Ryle. Every scene he shares with Lively feels like a breath of fresh air, and you can see why Lily gravitates toward him in moments of doubt.

However, as much as Atlas is the antidote to Lily’s pain, the film wisely doesn’t turn him into a “white knight” who sweeps in and fixes everything. Lily’s journey is about her finding her own strength, not being rescued, and that’s something the movie handles well.

The Emotional Core: Domestic Abuse and Breaking the Cycle

The strength of It Ends with Us lies in its ability to handle a sensitive and difficult topic like domestic abuse without sensationalizing it. The movie doesn’t shy away from showing the complexities of loving someone who hurts you. It delves into the emotions and confusion that come with it—how love, guilt, and fear can coexist in ways that make it hard to leave.

Lily’s internal monologues from the book are brought to life through clever cinematography and Blake Lively’s performance. Her flashbacks to her own childhood with her abusive father and the impact it had on her mother are heartbreaking and help explain why she struggles so much with Ryle. The movie doesn’t offer easy answers, and that’s what makes it so powerful. It forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about love and violence.

For those who have been in similar situations, it’s a movie that could be deeply cathartic or potentially triggering. The filmmakers took great care in telling Lily’s story with honesty, and while it’s a heavy watch, it’s an important one.

The Directing and Cinematography: Hits and Misses

Justin Baldoni, wearing his director hat, does a solid job of translating Hoover’s emotional narrative to the screen. He captures the heartache and the passion with sweeping visuals, and the pacing keeps you engaged throughout.

However, there are moments where the movie feels a bit too clean or polished, especially for a story that deals with such raw, messy emotions. The cinematography is beautiful, but sometimes it feels like the glossy visuals clash with the darker subject matter. It’s as if the movie wants to remain visually appealing even when it’s delving into the ugliest aspects of human relationships.

That said, there are some stunning scenes—especially the ones with Lily in her flower shop, which serve as metaphors for growth and new beginnings. The contrast between the vibrant flowers and the emotional turmoil Lily is going through is subtle but effective.

The Adaptation: What Worked, What Didn’t

Book-to-movie adaptations are always tricky. Fans come in with their own expectations, and it’s hard to satisfy everyone. Overall, the movie stays pretty faithful to the book’s plot, but there are some differences that fans will undoubtedly notice.

Some of Lily’s internal thoughts and journal entries, which were such a big part of the book, are condensed or left out entirely. While this was probably necessary for time’s sake, it does take away some of the depth of Lily’s character. Those who loved Lily’s relationship with her journal and her letters to Ellen DeGeneres will miss that personal insight.

On the other hand, the movie expands on certain scenes and gives us more time with Ryle and Atlas, which adds layers to their characters. This helps make their emotional connections with Lily feel more real, rather than just plot devices.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re a fan of Colleen Hoover’s book, It Ends with Us (2024) is definitely worth a watch. It may not hit every single note perfectly, but it captures the emotional heart of the story. Blake Lively’s performance as Lily will keep you hooked, and Justin Baldoni delivers a portrayal of Ryle that will leave you feeling conflicted in all the right ways.

For those unfamiliar with the book, the movie still stands on its own as a powerful drama about love, abuse, and finding the strength to break free from the past. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a necessary one. Whether you walk out of the theater crying or quietly reflecting, this is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

So, yes, It Ends with Us is a film that delivers on the emotional front, even if it doesn’t fully escape the pitfalls of book-to-movie adaptations. If you're ready to have your heartstrings pulled—and maybe a few tears shed—go ahead and add this one to your watchlist.

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