It Ends With Us Movie Review: The Art Of Letting Go

Image Source: Vanity Fair

Colleen Hoover's book has always been one of my great picks in my collection of books. So when I heard about this movie I was excited to finally watch it on screen. As I sat in the theatre, watching the cinematic adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel "It Ends with Us," I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of emotional resonance. The film, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, as the lead cast is a poignant and powerful exploration of domestic violence and abuse, one that left me feeling both haunted and hopeful.

The film's greatest strength lies in the portrayal of the complex and toxic relationship between Lily Bloom(Lively Blake) and Ryle Kincaid(Justin Baldoni). The chemistry between the leads is tangible and their performance is so convincing in conveying the pull and push of a relationship defaced by physical abuse and emotional manipulation. The supporting cast which includes Lily's childhood friend Allysa played by the newcomer Jenny Slate adds depth and subtlety to the film.

Lively Bloom meets a handsome neurosurgeon Ryle on the roof of her apartment building while he is in a furious mood over a dead child. She is put off by his violent side but thinks that anyone would lash out in a horrific accident. He apologizes and soon both of them start talking. He discloses that he never wants to get in one of those relationships where one needs to commit. She tells him about her relationship with Atlas Corrigan(Brandon Sklenar) a homeless guy. The conversations are not exactly what people talk about but somehow Ryle wants to see more of Lily.

No matter what Ryle says he falls for Lily and both get into a steady relationship. Lily has always loved flowers so to take it a step further she decides to open a flower shop. She finds a friend in Alyssa(Ryle's sister) who helps to accomplish her dream. They visit various places which include the finest restaurant owned by Atlas who is now a successful owner. Well as they say habits do not change over time anger issues of Ryle do surface again which involves his late brother. No matter how much she tries Lively cannot trust people owing to her parent's issues. But love overcomes all these problems with their support. An incident in the kitchen leads to a fight leading Ryle to hit Lily in the face. Enraged on seeing the bruise Atlas hits Ryle which leads to a sudden pause in all 3 characters to consider the role of violence.

Going to the theatres I knew that there would be domestic violence and abuse. I wanted to see if all the scenes were going to be present on screen. But well some scenes were omitted which seemed to be a little unfair to the people who did not know the story. To be honest, when I came to know that this story is of her own mother who went through something similar I couldn't but think of all those women who have forever suffered in silence. The film's portrayal of manipulation, abuse and gaslighting that can occur to survivors is both haunting and thought-provoking. It's a reminder that abuse and violence are not just statistics but experiences shared by real people.

After the credits roll I could not help but feel a little heavy in my heart. Even though some narratives seem to be disjoint the film still is a message of hope, resilience and the importance of seeking help at the right time. Honestly being a fan of Collen Hover's works I felt the novel was much better than the movie but it still does justice to the film. With strong performances and effective storytelling, this film does wonders for all the people who wish to see the complexities of human relationships. 

So, what are you waiting for? Give this movie a chance and understand that not every connection deserves a happy ending some need to end at once.