Catapulted to the number one spot on nearly every literary chart worldwide, novelist Colleen Hoover has significantly benefited from social media’s renewed interest in popular literature. Already a highly successful self-published author, Hoover’s popularity skyrocketed during the pandemic when bored content creators began sharing book reviews on short-form video platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. This viral trend resulted in millions of copies of her novels being sold.
Now one of Hoover’s most popular novels, the semi-autobiographical It Ends With Us has been adapted into a film by Five Feet Apart director, Justin Baldoni. The actor-turned-director also stars alongside Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, comedian Hasan Minhaj, Scottish actor Kevin McKidd, and comedienne Jenny Slate.
Lively plays Lily Bloom, a young woman who escapes her traumatic past by moving to Boston to pursue her dream of owning a flower shop. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni), a charming neurosurgeon. As their relationship deepens, Lily becomes increasingly unsettled by disturbing parallels between her own love life and her parents’ troubled marriage which saw her mother suffer at the hands of her abusive father (McKidd).
Lily’s world is further complicated by the reappearance of Atlas Corrigan (Sklenar), her first love. His return forces her to confront her past and make a difficult decision about her future with Ryle.
Justin Baldoni’s film grapples with the weighty themes of domestic violence, yet it’s disappointing to see such critical issues squandered on such a heavily stylised adaptation. While the film’s ambition to address serious subject matter is commendable, its execution often falls short. The adaptation is marred by an excessive focus on aesthetics, with lavish sets and overly stylish costumes distracting from the narrative’s emotional core. This preoccupation with style ultimately undermines the film’s potential impact, diluting its powerful message.
Still, there’s plenty to enjoy here, notably the performances by the cast, including standout moments from Lively and supporting actors Jenny Slate as Lily’s best friend Allysa.
Ultimately, Baldoni’s It Ends With Us is a visually striking film that struggles to balance its artistic vision with the weight of its subject matter. The result is an adaptation that, while undeniably ambitious, leaves the viewer wishing for a more grounded and sincere portrayal of its poignant themes.
