It Ends with Us Review | A Gut-Wrenching Portrayal of Domestic Violence

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As a survivor of domestic abuse myself, I found “It Ends with Us” to be a profoundly moving and poignant portrayal of a woman’s struggle for freedom and self-preservation. Lilly’s character, brilliantly brought to life by Blake Lively, is both captivating and heart-wrenching, embodying the complexity and resilience of victims who are often misunderstood.

In “It Ends with Us,” a woman finds herself caught between two distinct romantic interests, as she strives to escape the recurring pattern of domestic abuse that similarly affected her mother, a theme drawn from Colleen Hoover’s acclaimed novel. Transforming from an exhilarating romance into a subtly harmful relationship, this journey offers a poignant exploration of self-discovery. The story, adapted from the best-selling book, delivers a potent impact through its artfully crafted yet harrowing narrative. As the tale unfolds, one would question how a character deeply in love could resort to physical violence. Despite the film’s narrative imperfections, you may find yourself sympathizing with the protagonist’s emotional turmoil.

“It Ends with Us” unfolds across two narratives. In the current scenario, Lily Bloom (formerly Blake Lively, now Lady Deadpool) journeys back to Maine for her father’s funeral. Her mother, Jenny, is emotionally strained as she prepares a heartfelt eulogy for the beloved mayor of their town. As Lily enters her old room and gazes out the window, memories flood back of her teenage years (portrayed by Isabela Ferrer). She recalls spotting a homeless classmate named Atlas slipping away from a rundown building behind her house, and from that day forward, compassionate Lily decides to aid him after school.

Lilly, now an adult, goes back to Boston with the ambition of launching a flower shop. Fate brings her to a rooftop in a high-end building where she meets Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Justin Baldoni, who also directs. He’s tall, handsome, and has a fiery spirit that leaves Lilly captivated. Despite appearing as an ideal match, Ryle enjoys casual relationships. However, Lilly isn’t easy to seduce. She’s not about to give in easily.

A Dark Romance Built on Unbelievable Random Events

Some time after, Lilly’s lone worker at her fresh store (Jenny Slate) inadvertently reintroduces Ryle back into her world. Old feelings resurface between them, leading to an intense whirlwind of affection. However, Lilly encounters another shocking revelation while dining with Ryle at a fashionable eatery. A fully-grown Atlas (Brandon Sklenar) arrives to take their order. The love she harbored for him during her teenage years remained undiminished. Ryle detects a transformation, yet unsuccessfully conceals his troubling character traits, exposing the ominous aspect of his personality.

Let’s address the main issue with the movie that can’t be overlooked: The plot relies heavily on coincidence. For instance, Lilly, by sheer chance, is at her window when Atlas appears. Ryle shows up on the roof at a fortuitous moment. Interestingly, Slate, who brings comic relief so well, turns out to be Ryle’s little sister. Considering Boston’s large population, the chances of Lilly randomly hiring her seem slim. Additionally, it stretches believability that Lilly would just happen to run into Atlas after such a long time apart.

In this story, there are two perspectives to consider. Screenwriter Christy Hall (Daddio, I Am Not Okay with This) intends for viewers to accept the idea of chance encounters or serendipity. The characters Ryle and Atlas seemingly find themselves in Lilly’s presence due to fate. Their romantic entanglement is depicted as a predestined struggle for her affection. On the other hand, some critics argue that the plot lacks convincing reasons for these character interactions, essentially criticizing it for relying on convenient exposition. This reviewer falls into the latter category. However, the film It Ends with Us manages to rise above the typical love triangle trope through its intense emotional resonance.

Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni Are Excellent and Gorgeous

Lilly’s story of overcoming abuse resonates deeply. Her vivacious performance skillfully portrays the intricacies of her complex personality. Her charm, warmth, and extraordinary talent make her incredibly captivating, which explains why charismatic men like Ryle and Atlas are eager to be near her. However, Lilly’s kindness and openness to redemption may inadvertently guide her towards a heartbreaking destiny. Despite the appalling actions of Ryle, she finds it hard to accept that he could truly be that way.

In “It Ends with Us,” Lily and her mother are portrayed as two women trapped by abusive relationships, unseen by an admiring public who fail to recognize their tormentors as monsters. As a teenager, Lily struggles to comprehend why her mother stays with her violent father, and she feels betrayed by Jenny’s complicity in covering for him. Tragically, Lily finds herself repeating the same pattern of abuse. It’s not simple to escape or seek help, and love often feels like an unbreakable bond that restrains them.

Baldoni rightly appalls with a Jekyll and Hyde portrayal of Ryle. His double duty as director brilliantly lends itself to measured escalation. On the surface, Ryle is a fantasy come true for most women. His looks, wealth, intelligence, and even volatility, are charismatic and sexually intoxicating. Lilly wouldn’t fall for a complete jerk. It also makes sense that Atlas would forever be enthralled by her. You never forget your first love. Hearts will melt at the unspoken longing between them.

It Ends with a Sobering Lesson in Love & Domestic Abuse

Based on my personal experiences and the insights gained from reading “It Ends with Us,” I strongly believe that this novel sheds a stark light on the harsh realities of domestic violence. As someone who has witnessed such situations, I can attest to the fact that victims are often not foolish, but rather trapped in a cycle of abuse that is difficult to escape. The abusers, unfortunately, seldom relinquish their hold easily.

“Columbia Pictures, Wayfarer Studios, and Saks Picture Company are behind the movie titled ‘It Ends with Us.’ This film is set to hit theaters on August 9th, distributed by Sony Pictures.”

You can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at any time, day or night, by dialing 800-799-7233. They are there to provide assistance to anyone who requires it.

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2024-08-08 16:31