As a seasoned gamer and movie enthusiast who’s seen my fair share of romantic dramas and Lifetime movies, I can confidently say that “It Ends with Us” is a cinematic rollercoaster ride that veers off the tracks faster than you can say “Ryle Kincaid.” This film, much like a poorly designed video game level, is filled with plot contrivances, wooden acting, and a storyline that’s as predictable as the next level boss.
People who are fans of Colleen Hoover might find it appealing, but for those not already captivated by the book, “It Ends with Us” could feel like a more extravagantly produced melodrama similar to a tear-jerking Lifetime movie your mom enjoys, dabbing tears as she folds laundry. Somehow, perhaps due to the allure of Blake Lively and Colleen Hoover’s bestselling romance novel fame, it made its way onto the big screen.
In a less-than-impressive portrayal, Lively and Justin Baldoni (who also holds the director’s role, which might have been reconsidered) appear visually appealing but lack depth. It seems they struggle to bring this material to life effectively. The performance feels flat, the narrative is overly sentimental, and an overall strange ambiance overshadows “It Ends with Us,” making it a nearly disastrous cinematic experience on most accounts. However, let’s not forget that Lively’s character’s floral shop is exquisitely designed in a maximalist style, so there’s at least one aspect worth praising.
Lily’s relationship with abuse
“The novel ‘It Ends with Us’ introduces us to Lily Bloom (portrayed by Blake Lively), who attends her father’s funeral, a man who was both the mayor of a picturesque Maine town and an abusive individual. Following the funeral, she finds herself on the rooftop of a luxurious building in Boston, seeking some fresh air. It is here that she encounters Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), a seemingly extraordinary neurosurgeon with a hint of intensity. Their initial encounter involves him aggressively moving a chair and attempting to exert control over her, suggesting the potential turbulence in their relationship.”
Over time, they grow increasingly intertwined as Jenny Slate takes up work at Lily’s freshly opened florist shop, setting the stage for various plot conveniences. Eventually, Lily and Ryle start dating and develop feelings for each other, but trouble brews when Atlas, a ghost from Lily’s past, reappears. Atlas, portrayed by Brandon Sklenar, was once homeless as a teenager due to a difficult upbringing, and he and Lily shared an unforgettable bond as kindred spirits and first loves. This revelation fuels Ryle’s intense jealousy, causing him to behave irrationally and even violently towards the woman he professes to love. Faced with the choice between staying with her partner like her mother did despite his abusive tendencies or forging a new path, it seems that Lily will choose the latter. The question is, can she break free from this cycle? You may have a good idea of what will happen next.
A little chemistry would be nice
In simpler terms, the movie “It Ends with Us” is criticized by film experts for several reasons. One of these reasons is that the characters are incredibly shallow, lacking depth and complexity. Blake Lively, known for delivering strong performances with suitable material, struggles in this film due to the unsuitable script. Justin Baldoni, who plays the romantic interest and chief antagonist Ryle, portrays him in such a way that his positive traits feel uneasy, making the film uncomfortable to watch at times. The chemistry between Lively and Baldoni is almost non-existent, despite both being attractive actors. Their love scenes lack sensuality and intimacy, resembling forced interactions between Barbie and Ken dolls. In contrast, the younger versions of Lily and Atlas (played by Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter) show more convincing affection in a single kiss than Lively and Baldoni do throughout the entire film.
In the role of director, Baldoni appears to struggle with managing his responsibilities effectively. Instead of showing confidence in his viewers, he includes unnecessary flashbacks that give the movie a harsh, heavy-handed feel. One critical scene portraying abuse is filmed poorly, making it challenging for the audience to discern the action. Although Baldoni intended to create ambiguity in these scenes so Lily would later recognize them as abusive, the poor filming makes it hard for viewers to comprehend what’s happening. Furthermore, Baldoni is to blame for the slow pace of the movie and its tendency to skip over logical resolution points, becoming increasingly tedious.
Weird vibes all around
In simpler terms, “It Ends with Us” struggles with an unsettling tone due to its portrayal of a romantic relationship with elements of domestic violence. Despite the story advocating against such violence, it creates an odd atmosphere by attempting to humanize the abuser and offering explanations for his actions, even as it condemns them. The film’s message about the cyclical nature of abuse is clear, but it lacks additional depth needed in a movie. The relationship between the characters remains confusing because tender moments persist between them after one partner decides to leave, raising questions about the film’s intended message.
To sum up, “It Ends with Us” tends to be rather disjointed overall. The scenes depicting Lily’s early romance with Atlas stand out as the most compelling aspect of the movie, but it becomes aggravating when the narrative shifts back to Lily and Ryle. Characters lacking complexity, unoriginal dialogue, and an unusual portrayal of the relationship between an abuser and their victim make “It Ends with Us” a challenging watch for many. I’d advise only those most ardent Colleen Hoover fans to give it a try. Unfortunately, Blake Lively and Jenny Slate, both talented actresses, deserve roles that are more deserving of their skillset.
“It Ends with Us” hits theaters on August 9.
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2024-08-07 17:30