“It Ends With Us,” the highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, is set to make its theatrical debut this weekend, promising to captivate audiences with its poignant exploration of love, abuse, and resilience. At the helm of this emotionally charged project are Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, whose collaboration both on and off-screen brings Hoover’s powerful narrative to life with sensitivity and depth.
Justin Baldoni, known for his role in “Jane the Virgin” and his directorial debut “Five Feet Apart,” takes on the dual responsibility of directing and starring in “It Ends With Us”. His previous success in portraying complex relationships, as seen in the $93 million-grossing “Five Feet Apart,” sets high expectations for his treatment of Hoover’s novel “It Ends With Us”. Baldoni’s approach to the material demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics within relationships tainted by domestic abuse, offering insight into the difficult decisions women face in such situations.
Working closely with screenwriter Christy Hall, Baldoni successfully translates the emotional intricacies of Hoover’s novel “It Ends With Us” to the big screen. The film delves deep into the psyche of women who have experienced similar struggles to the protagonist, Lily Bloom, brilliantly portrayed by Blake Lively. Lively’s performance in this role is being hailed as one of her most serious and compelling to date, marking a significant departure from her “Gossip Girl” days.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its honest depiction of how relationships that begin with genuine love can deteriorate over time. Baldoni’s direction shines in his careful handling of the more violent scenes from the novel. He maintains a sense of restraint throughout much of the film, building tension until Lily’s eventual awakening to her situation. This approach aligns closely with Hoover’s original work, satisfying fans of the book while also making the story accessible to new audiences.
The screenplay, penned by Christy Hall, remains largely faithful to Hoover’s original dialogue, preserving the authenticity and emotional resonance that made the novel so impactful. This dedication to the source material is likely to please Hoover’s devoted fanbase while also introducing her work to a broader audience through the medium of film.
In an era where streaming services have dominated many traditional box office genres, Sony’s decision to back this romance drama marks a significant move to revitalize the genre in theaters. The collaboration between Sony and Wayfarer Studios in financing this polished adaptation of Hoover’s popular novel is expected to yield impressive results, with some industry insiders predicting an opening weekend gross of over $40 million.
The genesis of this adaptation dates back to 2019 when Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios optioned the novel. Throughout the development process, they worked closely with Hoover, who also serves as an executive producer on the project. This collaborative approach ensures that the film remains true to the spirit of the original work while adapting it for a visual medium.
At its core, “It Ends With Us” tells a layered love story loosely inspired by Hoover’s mother’s experiences. The narrative follows Lily Bloom, portrayed by Blake Lively, as she falls in love with neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni. Their relationship takes a dark turn as Ryle’s volatile nature leads to instances of unforgivable violence both before and after their marriage.
While the adaptation largely stays true to the novel, there are some slight deviations that keen-eyed fans may notice. The addition of quirky comedic moments involving Ryle’s sister Allysa, played by “Saturday Night Live” veteran Jenny Slate, adds a new dimension to the story. Some viewers might find certain lines of dialogue, particularly in Lily and Ryle’s initial meeting, slightly off-key. The aging up of characters from the novel also results in some references feeling somewhat disjointed. Additionally, Ryle’s absence in a scene revealing a tragic event from his past may be felt by those familiar with the book.
The film’s narrative is set in motion by a chance rooftop encounter between Lily and Ryle, foreshadowing the complexities of their relationship. This meeting sets the stage for their reconnection months later when Lily realizes her childhood dream of opening a flower shop. The introduction of Allysa as an eager volunteer in Lily’s shop, and the subsequent involvement of Ryle in setting up the business, reignites the spark between the main characters.
Interwoven with the present-day story are flashbacks to Lily’s teenage years, introducing her first love, Atlas Corrigan, played in his younger years by Alex Neustadter. The adult Atlas, portrayed by Brandon Sklenar, re-enters Lily’s life as the owner of a restaurant called Root. This establishment serves as a subtle connection between Lily’s past and present, with its decor echoing elements from Lily’s childhood bedroom and her flower shop.
Baldoni’s direction truly shines in his portrayal of Ryle’s escalating violence. The first two incidents are presented in a fast-paced, disorienting manner, mirroring the confusion and rationalization often experienced by victims of abuse. This approach might initially perplex viewers, much as it does Lily herself. The third and most severe instance is given a fuller, more grave treatment, coinciding with Lily’s growing clarity about her situation.
The first instance of violence occurs during a seemingly mundane moment when Ryle leaves a frittata in the oven too long. As he rushes to retrieve it barehanded, the scene quickly shifts from Lily’s laughter to her being sprawled on the floor, victim to an unexpected act of force. Baldoni’s direction in this scene creates a sense of disorientation, leaving the viewer, like Lily, questioning the exact nature of what transpired.
The second violent incident is precipitated by confrontations between Atlas and both Lily and Ryle. This scene is filmed in a similar style to the first, maintaining the sense of confusion and disbelief. It’s between these first two altercations that Lily and Ryle get married, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship and Lily’s predicament.
The third instance of abuse marks a turning point in the narrative. Here, Baldoni slows down the action, allowing for a fuller, more explicit reveal of Ryle’s actions. This change in pace coincides with Lily’s growing awareness and clarity about her situation. Despite the unforgivable nature of Ryle’s behavior, Baldoni’s direction brings a sense of humanity and emotion to the character, adding depth to the portrayal of a complex and flawed individual.
Blake Lively’s performance as Lily is a tour de force, balancing vulnerability with strength, empathy with assertion. Her portrayal evolves throughout the film, from a woman full of hope and love to one grappling with the harsh realities of her situation. Lively brings a quiet resolve to Lily as she confronts both her own demons and Ryle’s. Even in the midst of the film’s most serious moments, Lively manages to infuse Lily with a spark of hopeful joy, laying the foundation for her character’s eventual resilience and growth.
Justin Baldoni, in his dual role as director and actor, brings a nuanced performance to the character of Ryle. He successfully portrays Ryle’s charm and intensity, while also conveying the underlying volatility that leads to the character’s abusive behavior. Baldoni’s performance adds layers to Ryle, presenting him as a complex individual rather than a one-dimensional villain.
Brandon Sklenar’s portrayal of the adult Atlas Corrigan provides a compelling contrast to Ryle. With his calm demeanor and steadfast nature, Sklenar’s Atlas serves as a counterpoint to Ryle’s intensity. However, when called upon to protect Lily, Sklenar demonstrates that Atlas can match Ryle’s fierce determination, creating a dynamic and tension-filled triangle between the three characters.
The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, with Jenny Slate bringing moments of levity as Ryle’s sister Allysa, and Hasan Minhaj as Allysa’s husband Marshall. Their performances help to round out the world of the film and provide moments of respite from the more intense emotional scenes.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that “It Ends With Us” is more than just a love story or a cautionary tale about domestic abuse. It’s a nuanced exploration of the complexities of relationships, the cycle of abuse, and the strength required to break free from toxic situations. Baldoni’s direction, coupled with Hall’s screenplay, creates a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to consider the many facets of abusive relationships and the difficult choices faced by those caught in them.
The film’s conclusion offers a sense of hope and empowerment, with Lily coming to terms with herself and her choices. This ending stays true to Hoover’s novel, presenting Lily as an independent woman who has found the strength to chart her own course. While some fans may hope for a continuation of Lily and Atlas’s story possibly drawing from Hoover’s sequel “It Starts With Us“, the decision to end this installment with Lily’s independence adds to the film’s overall impact and message.
“It Ends With Us” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Colleen Hoover’s storytelling and the potential for thoughtful adaptations of beloved novels to resonate with audiences on the big screen. The collaboration between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni brings Hoover’s characters to life with authenticity and depth, creating a cinematic experience that is both emotionally engaging and socially relevant.
As the film prepares for its theatrical release, it carries the weight of expectations from Hoover’s devoted fanbase as well as the hopes of those looking to see more substantial romance dramas in theaters. With its strong performances, careful direction, and powerful source material, “It Ends With Us” has the potential to not only meet these expectations but to spark important conversations about love, abuse, and the courage to choose oneself.
The success of this adaptation could pave the way for more of Hoover’s works to be brought to the screen, with Amazon MGM already developing her book “Verity” into a thriller. It also signals a potential resurgence of thoughtful, character-driven dramas in mainstream cinema, offering a counterpoint to the dominance of franchise blockbusters and streaming content.
In conclusion, “It Ends With Us” driven by the compelling performances of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, promises to be a significant cinematic event. It offers a nuanced exploration of complex themes, delivered through a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. As audiences experience Lily Bloom’s journey, they are likely to find themselves moved, challenged, and ultimately inspired by this powerful adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s beloved novel.