Justin Baldoni’s It Ends With Us, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, is a film that dives into the complexities of love, trauma, and self-empowerment. With standout performances by Blake Lively and Baldoni himself, the film delivers an emotionally charged narrative that’s both interesting and inspiring. However, despite its strengths, the film’s uneven pacing and occasional lapses in dialogue prevent it from fully realizing its potential.
The story centers on Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a young woman who has worked hard to distance herself from a traumatic past marked by domestic violence. Seeking a fresh start, Lily moves to a new city and opens a flower shop, symbolizing her desire to create something beautiful from the pain she has endured. Life seems to be on the upswing when she meets Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), a successful and charming neurosurgeon. Their relationship develops quickly, and Lily begins to believe she’s found the love and stability she’s always longed for.
However, as their relationship deepens, Lily begins to notice unsettling traits in Ryle—traits that echo the abuse she witnessed in her father growing up. These troubling signs lead Lily to question her choices and her future, especially when her first love, Atlas Corrigan (played by [Second Lead Actor’s Name]), reenters her life. Atlas represents a different kind of love, one rooted in safety and familiarity, forcing Lily to confront her past and the difficult decisions she must make to protect her future.
Lively’s portrayal of Lily Bloom is nothing short of captivating. Lively brings a nuanced performance that captures the full spectrum of Lily’s emotions—her vulnerability, strength, confusion, and ultimately, her resilience. Lively’s ability to convey deep internal conflict without excessive dialogue is one of the film’s greatest strengths, making Lily’s journey not just believable but deeply relatable. Her portrayal allows the audience to feel every triumph and heartbreak alongside her, which is crucial for a film that deals with such sensitive and emotional topics.
Justin Baldoni, in addition to directing, delivers a strong performance as Ryle Kincaid. He masterfully balances the duality of Ryle’s character—the charming, affectionate man Lily falls in love with, and the darker, more volatile side that begins to surface as their relationship progresses. Baldoni’s portrayal ensures that Ryle is not a simple villain but a complex, conflicted individual, which adds depth to the story’s central conflict.
As a director, Baldoni brings a thoughtful, visually rich approach to the film. His experience in handling emotional material is evident, and he manages to create an atmosphere that is both intimate and cinematic.
Baldoni’s direction also shines in the film’s quieter moments, where the focus is on character interactions and emotional revelations. He uses close-ups effectively to capture the subtle shifts in expression that reveal the characters’ inner turmoil. The cinematography complements this approach, with a subdued color palette that mirrors the film’s themes of love, loss, and renewal. The visual style is both elegant and evocative, drawing viewers into Lily’s world and making her experiences feel all the more real.
The film’s soundtrack plays a significant role in enhancing its emotional depth. The score, composed by Rob Simonsen and Duncan Blickenstaff, is both haunting and hopeful, perfectly capturing the mood of the story. The music is used strategically throughout the film to underscore key moments, from the tender beginnings of Lily and Ryle’s romance to the tense, heartbreaking confrontations that follow.
Despite its strengths, It Ends With Us struggles with pacing. The film aims to cover various elements of its source material, but sometimes moves too quickly through important developments, leaving little room for the audience to fully process the emotional weight of certain scenes. Conversely, other parts of the film feel drawn out, leading to a sense of unevenness that disrupts the narrative flow.
In addition, the dialogue occasionally falls flat, with some lines feeling forced or unnatural. While the film stays true to much of the novel’s dialogue, what works on the page doesn’t always translate seamlessly to the screen. It’s definitely something that more so hinders the first act and improves over time, but it makes for a rough start when you’re trying to get emotionally invested early.
Overall, It Ends With Us is a film with a powerful message and strong performances, particularly from Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who bring depth and complexity to their roles. Baldoni’s direction and the film’s visual and musical elements are commendable, contributing to a moving portrayal of love, trauma, and resilience. However, the film’s awkward pacing and occasionally stilted interactions prevent it from achieving greatness.
It Ends With Us isn’t perfect, but it remains a compelling and emotionally engaging film that will resonate with many viewers.
Rating: 7.0/10
