From The Hunger Games to Bridgerton, numerous popular books have been adapted into world-renowned Hollywood productions. Book-to-screen adaptations grow in popularity as passionate book fans witness their favorite stories be brought to life through the work of acclaimed actors and filmmakers. However, audiences may be ambivalent about the adaptation if it doesn’t satisfy the devoted reader — why you often hear “the book is better.”
Although adapting any movie adaption of controversial author Colleen Hoover might cause backlash, director Justin Baldoni‘s film adaptation of her 2016 novel It Ends With Us is a devoted theatrical piece that firmly translates what Hoover established in the literature. Yet the adaptation falls when balancing the core parts meant to fulfill the importance of Lily Bloom’s story. The romantic drama starring Blake Lively focuses on overcoming traumatic experiences to embark on a new path in life and break the cycle of domestic violence for generations to come.
‘It Ends With Us’ Bravely Covers a Sensitive Subject but the Story Feels Rushed
The film follows Lily Bloom (Lively) who moves out to Boston from Maine to start a new chapter in her life and chase her dream of opening up her own business: a flower shop. She crosses paths with neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni), with whom she sparks an instant connection. As the two fall in love, Lily begins to see a side of Ryle that reminds her of her parents’ relationship. With Lily’s first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar) reenters her life, tension arises further in her relationship with Ryle.
The film centers on the sensitive subject of domestic violence, which some may find distressing, yet through Baldoni’s direction, it bravely blends with the story without being exploitative. However, the story that revolves around the material is uneven, rushed, and very cliché, leaving the viewers, especially those who haven’t read the novel, to question where these plot points randomly came from.
It Ends With Us tries to balance the heartbreaking and romantic moments that make Lily Bloom an important character. Minimizing big moments — including Lily and Atlas’ relationship as well as a vital mother-daughter conversation towards the end of the film, both of which are pivotal to her character development — comes across as a disservice to the story meant to present how Lily breaks free from the cycle of trauma in her life.
Blake Lively Blooms As the Lead in ‘It Ends With Us’
Blake Lively breathes life into Lily Bloom, who starts a high-spirited, flower-loving, confident woman with the promise of a new life ahead of her. When the dark transition hits, Lively isn’t afraid to delve deep into the side of a distraught victim and be a voice for women witnessing this character’s story take a violent turn. Lily is a challenging character and Lively manages to perform Lily’s strength and emotional heartbreak through her mature persona.
Justin Baldoni taking on both a lead role and director of the film is quite impressive, considering how complex his character Ryle Kincaid is. Baldoni’s portrayal of Ryle is fine, though it is evident that some scenes and line delivery might’ve been better if another actor had portrayed the role. If there’s one positive thing from Baldoni’s performance and direction to look at, it’s that he doesn’t romanticize Ryle’s abusive behavior. The film deals with this subject matter better than Hoover’s novel as it doesn’t spend time redeeming Ryle from his actions and allows Lively’s character Lily the chance to step up for herself.
It Ends With Us also incorporates the love triangle from the source material. Unfortunately, it doesn’t blossom to its fullest potential in the film. Sklenar provides a charming performance as Atlas Corrigan, though his character barely gets the development it desires to make him more important to Lily’s story aside from being the pivotal support system Lily needs during the film’s climatic moment.
Atlas’ limited character arc is shown through flashbacks of his and Lily’s high school relationship (portrayed by Alex Neustaedter and Isabela Ferrer, respectively), yet reducing the character’s past and present scenes is hard to fathom since Atlas is meant to be a lead character alongside Lily and Ryle.
‘It Ends With Us’ Manages To Bring Purpose to an Important Story
From the brave direction of its subject matter to the solid performance of its cast, It Ends With Us is a sensitive and emotional depiction of domestic violence that leads viewers on a journey to find the strength to break the pattern of a generational cycle. While most of the changes made from the novel positively serve the story, they sometimes come across as underwhelming.
This book-to-film adaptation allows audiences to resonate with Lily’s journey, making people aware of the hard choices victims of domestic violence have to make to better themselves. Ultimately, this makes It Ends With Us an important adaptation with an effective purpose.
It Ends With Us arrives in theaters on August 9. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.
'It Ends with Us' Review
'It Ends with Us' ReviewThe Good
- Blake Lively powerfully portrays Lily's experience with maturity, care, and confidence.
- The film's take on domestic violence as both actor and director is handled better than in Colleen Hoover's novel.
- 'It Ends With Us' soundtrack is incredible, featuring the likes of Post Malone, Lana Del Rey, and Taylor Swift.
The Bad
- The film's narrative feels uneven and rushed.
- Atlas isn't a well-established character, even with his importance to Lily's story.
- Some of Baldoni's acting leaves something to be desired.
