Review – It Ends With Us

“Past traumas, present turmoil—Blake Lively shines in a poignant tale of love and survival.”

Rating: 3/5

Based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, the movie captures the emotional journey of Lily (played by Blake Lively), who faces the lingering effects of childhood trauma. The story delves into her challenges and how an unexpected encounter with neurosurgeon Ryle (Justin Baldoni) sparks a connection. However, as their relationship deepens, Lily begins to see a side of Ryle that reminds her of the toxic dynamics between her parents. Overall, the film earns a solid 3/5.

Plot:

The movie opens with Lily Bloom (Blake Lively) returning home to deliver a eulogy for her father, only to become overwhelmed and walk off stage. After moving to Boston, she pursues her dream of opening a flower shop. One evening on a rooftop, she meets Ryle (Justin Baldoni), a neurosurgeon, and the two share a fleeting yet significant moment.

Their paths cross again when Lily begins renovating her flower shop and hires Alyssa (Jenny Slate) as her assistant, only to discover that Alyssa is Ryle’s sister. At Alyssa’s birthday party, Ryle admits to Lily that he’s been thinking about her since their rooftop encounter. They connect further and end up spending the night together.

As their relationship progresses, Lily introduces Ryle to her mother at a restaurant called Root, where she unexpectedly runs into Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), her high school sweetheart, who is now the owner and head chef of the restaurant. The complex dynamics between Lily, Ryle, and Atlas reveal how her past continues to influence her present, forcing her to confront the unresolved trauma she had tried to leave behind.

Review:

Blake Lively shines as Lily Bloom, bringing depth and nuance to her character’s emotional journey. The film is bolstered by strong performances from the supporting cast, with Justin Baldoni effectively portraying the complexities of Ryle. The love triangle involving Atlas (Brandon Sklenar) adds an additional layer of tension and drama, highlighting the lingering impact of Lily’s past on her current relationships.

For viewers unfamiliar with the story, the movie handles the sensitive topics of domestic violence and abuse with care, delivering a poignant portrayal that resonates deeply. While the film has its strong points, it ultimately falls short of perfection, making it deserving of a 3/5 rating.