It Ends with Us

Rating 7/10

Colleen Hoover’s bestselling romance novel takes viewers on a journey between the promise of a new love and the lingering memories of an old one. Following the death of Lily Bloom’s father (Kevin McKidd), she returns to Plethora, Maine, to support her grieving mother (Amy Morton). After struggling to write a eulogy for the man who shaped much of her life, Lily decides to relocate to Boston, determined to start anew by opening a floral shop. It is here that she encounters Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), a fiery and handsome neurosurgeon who seems to offer the fresh start she’s been yearning for.

As the relationship with Ryle deepens, flashbacks of a homeless boy from Lily’s high school years flood her thoughts. The intersection of old connections with Atlas Corrigan (Alex Neustaedter / Brandon Sklenar), juxtaposed with the budding desires of new love, creates a whirlwind of emotions, forcing Lily to confront the past and reconsider the future.

It Ends with Us is pure soap opera, packed with dramatic twists that have barely been hinted at here. The film’s strength lies in its ability to surprise.  The less known beforehand, the more impactful the unfolding story. Christy Hall’s screenplay, adapted from Hoover’s text, withholds key details, keeping the audience guessing about the true nature of the characters and their motivations. This isn’t entirely fair, but the narrative tactic forges an experience where every revelation is a surprise.

A charismatic cast buoys the film, with Blake Lively’s effervescent presence at the center. Her performance is crucial, serving as the lens through which we understand the story. The supporting cast also delivers. None more so than Jenny Slate as Alyssa, Lily’s friend and employee at the flower shop. Slate injects a vibrant personality into the role, channeling the sassy charm of Rhoda Morgenstern with the sophistication of high society.  It’s difficult to focus on anything else whenever she’s on screen. I mean that as a compliment.

In the end, the film’s greatest asset is its ability to keep the audience in the dark. The surprises feel fresh and organic, continually engaging viewers as they navigate the developments of Lily’s life. Fans of the book may approach the film with different expectations, but it seems they, too, have embraced this adaptation. The element of surprise makes It Ends with Us a compelling saga.

08-13-24