The adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends with Us finally hit the screens this past Friday (August 9, 2024), delivering a heartfelt journey that explores love, resilience, and the complexities of relationships. Directed by Justin Baldoni and starring Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, and Justin Baldoni himself, the film created loads of buzz long before it ever came out.

As an avid reader, I devoured Colleen Hoover’s novel approximately two years ago and have been hooked on her books ever since. So when I found out IEwU was going to be a movie, I couldn’t wait to get my tickets. This past Thursday I went to see the film with some friends and have to say, while it was good, I think lovers of the book will be fairly disappointed. I know I was.

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Plot and Themes

For those of you who haven’t read the book (which you totally should!), here’s a quick overview of what to expect. It Ends with Us follows the life of Lily Bloom, portrayed by Blake Lively, as she navigates the challenges of love and personal growth. The story revolves quite a bit around her and Ryle’s (Justin Baldoni) relationship, which starts out strong and passionate but quickly devolves as themes of domestic abuse arise. During the book/film Lily deals with the impact of past trauma, her first love showing back up in her life, new friends and careers, and the changes that happen when we grow into adulthood.

Performance and Casting

There was a lot of drama when the cast was picked late last year. Many fans of the book, including me, felt Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni weren’t the correct picks for the film’s main characters. I like Blake Lively, but she was never what I pictured while reading the novel. I have to say, though, that she really shines in her role as Lily Bloom, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the character’s strength and vulnerability.

The other casting choices, including lesser-known actors in key supporting roles, bring authenticity to the story’s interpersonal dynamics. While Justin Baldoni wouldn’t have been my first pick for Ryle, he does capture the dark enigmatic personality needed for the character. And Jenny Slate and Brandon Sklenar were perfect fits for their respective roles.

In my opinion. Jenny Slate, who plays Alyssa, did a great job of capturing the character’s bubbly and somewhat pushy–yet still loving–personality. Lively’s chemistry with both co-stars, who play significant roles in Lily’s journey, adds depth to the narrative.

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Comparison to the Book

“Is the movie going to be as good as the book? Will the movie fully do it the justice it deserves?”

Readers always wonder this when one of their favorite books is being made into a movie, and I’m no different!

I think if you haven’t read the book, you’ll find the movie phenomenal. If you did read it, however, it just will be…okay. While it was still worth the watch, I think it fell short of what it could’ve and should’ve been.

I remember reading the book and feeling lost afterward. It was a piece of art that frankly left you reeling as you finished the pages. The novel made me cry, laugh, cheer for Lily, and experience every other feeling in between. It was a message about how domestic violence can truly happen to anyone. Through it I explored domestic violence as I never really explored it before, from start to finish. I wish the movie had done the subject justice, but unfortunately, I think it fell short. 

What Might Have Been

In my view, the main reason the movie didn’t reach its full dramatic potential is that the studio chose to rate it PG-13.  Would an R-rating have allowed it to delve deeper into the book’s true messaging? I think that’s what should’ve happened. PG-13 just doesn’t allow a dive into the original story’s graphic nature. And while some may say that isn’t needed, I feel it was absolutely necessary for audiences truly grasp Lily’s journey.

I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll leave it at this: In the book, Lily’s entire life is put into perspective. The reader understands what she’s experienced in full and, yes, graphic, detail. But movie only shows glimpses of what happened to and around her, and this dulls the effects of it all. So while I enjoyed the film, I don’t think it will have the same impact on viewers as Hoover’s book did for readers.

The Wrap

It Ends with Us emerges as a film that will entertain you, but doesn’t do full justice to Colleen Hoover’s powerful storytelling. On the other hand, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s performances were surprisingly strong, far exceeding my personal expectations. Sklenar’s performance of Atlas was captivating, while Jenny Slate’s Alyssa brought the best friend we all wish we had to the film. 

If you’re discovering the story for the first time without having read the book, you will absolutely love it (and I definitely suggest reading the novel afterwards). If you have read the book, I think you’ll still enjoy yourself. Just don’t plan the film being nearly as captivating as the novel.

For those eager to see if they agree with me, It Ends with Us is now in theaters. So get your tickets below!

GET TICKETS TO IT ENDS WITH US NOW!

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