Exploring The Emotional Depth Of 'It Ends With Us': A Movie Review

Being a guy, I was often mocked by my friends for reading Colleen Hoover books, but those who have read them know exactly why I never stopped. The suspense of Verity, the sweetness of Maybe Someday, and of course, the bittersweet nature of It Ends With Us kept me hooked for as long as I can remember. When I learned that It Ends With Us was getting a movie adaptation, I knew I had to review it. So without wasting much time, let’s dive right into it.

So, What’s Happening in It Ends With Us?

It Ends With Us introduces us to Lily Blossom Bloom (played by Blake Lively), who returns to Boston after the death of her abusive father. It's evident from the start that Lily harbors no fond memories of her father, struggling to recall five things she loved about him. Shortly after her arrival, she meets the charming and handsome neurosurgeon, Ryle Kinkaid (Justin Baldoni), on a rooftop, where they share a lighthearted conversation. However, Ryle has to leave abruptly due to a medical emergency.

Months later, Lily opens her own flower shop and hires Allysa (Jenny Slate), who turns out to be Ryle’s sister. As their relationship develops, they begin dating officially. One day, during a visit from Lily’s mother (Amy Morton), they stop by a new restaurant called “Roots.” To Lily’s surprise, the restaurant is owned by Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), her childhood love interest. This unexpected reunion forces Lily to confront her feelings and question Ryle’s true nature, leading her to make a difficult decision.

Is It Ends With Us Embraces Novel Accuracy?

The accuracy of It Ends With Us as an adaptation is a mixed bag. While most of the core plotlines are true to the novel, some details differ. For instance, in the book, Atlas’s restaurant is named Bib’s, which stands for “Better in Boston.” Ryle mentions this connection to a significant woman in Atlas's life.

In the film, the restaurant is renamed Roots, relating to something Lily said during their teenage years. Other minor changes exist, but they don't diminish the overall experience. If I were to quantify the film's fidelity to the book, I’d say it’s about 95 percent accurate, allowing for a small 5 percent of creative liberty.

The movie manages to capture the emotions portrayed in the novel beautifully. Key moments, such as Ryle's attack on Lily and the scene where he pushes her down the stairs, maintain their intense and emotional weight. The surprise of Atlas’s sudden appearance translates effectively from the page to the screen, ensuring that both readers and viewers experience similar feelings.

The Actors Embodied the Characters with Outmost Perfection

When the movie was announced, one of the biggest concerns was whether the cast could portray the characters as readers envisioned them. Blake Lively perfectly brought Lily to life, while Justin Baldoni embodied Ryle convincingly. Ryle's charm is overshadowed by an unsettling vibe that viewers can sense, even if they haven’t read the book.

Some viewers expressed disappointment with Brandon Sklenar’s portrayal of Atlas, as his appearance didn’t match their mental image of the character. However, I believe he successfully conveyed Atlas's calm and safe aura, contrasting with Ryle’s sinister undertone. The performances allow both readers and newcomers to the story to grasp the essence of the characters effectively.

How Is It Ends With Us in Essence?

Judging this movie is a bit tricky; while it captures the story's essence, certain cinematic aspects could have been improved. For example, some character costumes feel overly dramatic, while others lack attention to detail. The cinematography appears basic at times, suggesting an inexperienced crew. Nevertheless, the music score is appealing, acting performances are outstanding, and the narrative, with some artistic liberties, is executed well.

If you're a fan of Colleen Hoover, this movie won’t disappoint. It encompasses every emotion you experience while reading the novel. Every element you might visualize while reading has been beautifully translated to the screen through acting and set design.

For those who enjoy romantic dramas, this film will likely resonate with you. Even without reading the novel, the film stands on its own, making it a commendable adaptation. Overall, it's a solid movie and perhaps one of the best novel adaptations we've seen recently.