It Ends With Us Made a Big Change From the Book’s Ending

It Ends With Us Made a Big Change From the Book's Ending

Summary

  • The movie adaptation of
    It Ends With Us
    ages up characters to reach a wider audience, reflecting the universal experiences of domestic abuse survivors.
  • The film portrayed a realistic cycle of abuse with Ryle, as the crew worked with organizations to authentically depict domestic violence.
  • The changed ending in
    It Ends With Us
    provides a more realistic and impactful conclusion, avoiding the cliché of giving abusers a second chance.

As a survivor of domestic abuse myself, I find the adaptation of “It Ends With Us” to be a significant and thoughtful portrayal of the complexities and nuances of such relationships. The film’s approach to Lily’s denial and Ryle’s accountability seems more authentic and reflective of the reality many survivors face.


The cinematic interpretation of “It Ends With Us” has arrived, mirroring the fiery reception it received on BookTok. This film chronicles the tumultuous love story of Lily Bloom (portrayed by Blake Lively) and Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), while she grapples with her lingering feelings for Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), an old flame. The book, penned by Colleen Hoover, stirred up debate due to its portrayal of domestic violence; when news broke that the novel was being transformed into a movie, it ignited heated discussions online.

The creative team viewed these significant alterations as a chance to address and improve upon the contentious aspects of the original novel, thereby delivering important messages to those who have experienced domestic abuse.

Aging up the Characters in It Ends With Us

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As a supporter, I initially shared the sentiments of fans when Lively was announced as Lily Bloom, given the original character ages in the book. However, upon learning that Baldoni and the team, with Hoover’s approval, decided to adjust the characters’ ages, I found myself intrigued. We were presented with characters in their mid-30s instead of the originally envisioned ages, a change that seemed reasonable given the author and director’s intentions for the film adaptation.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Baldoni shared that he had originally conceptualized more mature characters for the film.

As a proponent, I express my desire for a narrative that resonates with diverse women across various age groups. To achieve this universal appeal, I believe progressively maturing characters adds authenticity to the tale, ultimately transcending the Young Adult (YA) genre boundaries.

In an interview with Today, Hoover expressed that this moment presented a chance for her to rectify a blunder she initially made while penning the novel.

As a seasoned professional who has spent decades honing my craft and acquiring knowledge, I can confidently say that it is highly unlikely to find a neurosurgeon at the age of 28. The path to becoming a neurosurgeon requires a minimum of 15 years of rigorous education and training, which means that even if someone were exceptionally gifted, they would be hard-pressed to achieve this feat by their mid-twenties.

In a movie, a seemingly insignificant aspect such as character age can significantly impact the broader themes conveyed. By incorporating Young Adult elements into its narrative, the film became more accessible and relatable to a diverse audience, resonating with women of various ages who shared similar life experiences with Lily Bloom.

Book vs. Film: Lily’s Response and Ryle’s Blackouts

It Ends With Us Made a Big Change From the Book's EndingIt Ends With Us Made a Big Change From the Book's EndingIt Ends With Us Made a Big Change From the Book's EndingIt Ends With Us Made a Big Change From the Book's Ending

The movie portrays Lily’s and Ryle’s characters differently than Hoover depicted them in the novel, highlighting the complexities and struggles faced by victims of domestic abuse. In the book, Lily identifies Ryle’s actions as violent, and she threatens to leave him whenever he acts on his aggressive impulses. Some readers felt that this portrayal trivialized survivors’ experiences and the challenges they encounter when trying to escape abusive relationships. The movie, however, delves deeper into the psychological state of women trapped in such situations, showcasing Lily’s gradual realization of Ryle’s violent nature and the gravity of her predicament.

In the book, Ryle’s accountability is a contentious portrayal, as he attributes his physical aggressions to “blackouts,” implying no control over his actions during these instances. However, contrary to this depiction, the movie presents Ryle differently, revealing that he knows what he does and can remember the events, choosing instead to manipulate Lily through gaslighting. Director Baldoni was committed to portraying domestic abuse realistically, conducting necessary research to accurately represent the subject matter. Collaborating with the No More organization, the creative team gained insights into the intricate patterns of abuse and the psychological effects that hinder survivors from escaping these cycles.

Lily and Ryle’s Ending in It Ends With Us

It Ends With Us Made a Big Change From the Book's EndingIt Ends With Us Made a Big Change From the Book's EndingIt Ends With Us Made a Big Change From the Book's Ending

In simpler terms, it seems reasonable to assume that even those divided over the novel might concur that the movie’s revised ending was an improvement. Originally, Lily chose to divorce Ryle and co-parent their daughter, a decision many perceived as potentially harmful for Lily and their child. Allowing Ryle back into their lives could mean he’d still be connected to Lily, which contradicts her leaving. The book, in a way, offers a somewhat happy ending to the domestic abuse storyline, implying that Ryle will never be violent again.

In an interview, Baldoni shared with The Wrap why he altered the conclusion of Ryle and expressed that the initial script’s ending didn’t sit well with him as it wasn’t fitting or satisfying.

Based on my professional experiences, I have observed a concerning pattern: many men who have been abusers in previous relationships tend to repeat their harmful behavior. This is not just a theory or assumption; it’s something that I’ve witnessed firsthand throughout my career. It’s a sobering fact that should be taken seriously by individuals, communities, and policy makers alike. We need to address this issue head-on to ensure the safety and wellbeing of potential victims.

In my rephrased version, here’s how it could look:

During an interview with Deadline, Hoover acknowledged that the core idea of the story remained intact even after modifications to her initial concept.

From a passionate film enthusiast’s perspective, while certain elements have been tweaked, the overall viewing experience leaves me feeling nothing essential is amiss.

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2024-08-13 02:31