By Riley LS
Directed and co-starred by Justin Baldoni, It Ends WIth Us is the first movie adaption of Colleen Hoovers’ books to the big screen. It follows the story of Lily Blossom Bloom (Blake Lively), who moves to Boston following the death of her father. While living there, she begins on her lifelong dream of starting her own flower shop. There, she meets Ryles Kinkaid (Justin Baldoni), a rich neurosurgeon who quickly and swiftly charms her. However, when she runs into her first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), things start to get really complicated.
I was hesitant walking into this film, knowing the story cliches that favour this particular subsection of books and movies, and the plot of this movie was one that is common within this scene. The classic story of a woman running away from her past life, meets a rich man and, when someone from her childhood comes back, she has to choose between them feels all too familiar. However, one aspect of this film I hadn’t seen within this subgenre before was the aspect of generational trauma.
Throughout Lily’s relationship with Ryles, she begins to see aspects of his character that remind her of her father, and the pain that lives there. The addition of this level within the story had it take a vastly different vibe from the more “classic” romance film. Throughout the whole course of this film, we are met with beautiful shots and scenery and yes, yes… your fair share of raunchy scenes as well.
However, one thing I will say about this film is that it does bring the viewer through some very dark topics and themes. In fact, I would warn those going to see this film that there are rather explicit themes and imagery throughout the film of s*xual as*ault and domestic violence. To anyone who may be familiar with the works of Colleen Hoover (or, this specific book in particular), this likely comes as no surprise. However, in my opinion these scenes could’ve been done with a lot more tact, and a lot less borderline romancing of it.
Whether you are a fan of Colleen Hoover and her works, or just one who enjoys the darker side of romance, you will be brought on an emotional trip from start to end. At the end of the film, there was barely a dry eye in the theatre. Throughout the film, I found myself feeling drawn into the characters, especially Atlas Corrigan, and the history that he and Lily shared. The connection between these characters was unmistakable and came across really well.
This film has its share of romantic, funny, sad and sweet scenes. These moments brought you into the story alongside the characters, as you experience their story with them.
As a whole, I think that this film is about what you would expect from a Colleen Hoover book that’s been adapted into a film. You have the cliches that she enjoys to use, the character tropes that she is well known for, the raunchy sexy scenes, and the dark themes and borderline romanticization of ab*se that unfortunately Hoover’s books are also well known for.
However, if you are a fan of the original book It Ends With Us, or of Hoover’s books, I think you will enjoy this film, and the emotional journey it takes its viewer on!
It Ends With Us is in theatres on Friday, August 9th, 2024.
