It Ends With Us REVIEW: Blake Lively ‘blooms’ in this rom-com that tackles serious issues

Film:
It Ends With Us

Director: Justin Baldoni

Writers: Christy Hall
Based on ‘It Ends with Us’ by Colleen Hoover

Cast: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate, and Hasan Minhaja

Runtime: 132 minutes (2 hours, 12 minutes)

Platform: In theatres

It Ends With Us Review

Lily Blossom Bloom (Blake Lively) is a single woman whose father abused her mother. She leaves home and moves to Boston to chase her lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni) soon develops into a strong bond between the two, ultimately leading to the two falling deeply in love. However, during the course of their relationship, she sees sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents’ relationship.

While in Boston, she also runs into her first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar) – a man who knows all about her past. Will his entry cause drama in her relationship with Ryle? Who will she choose to be with ultimately? Does she get her happily ever after? These are some of the questions answered in the film. Read our ‘It Ends With Us’ review to know if it’s worth a watch.

What Works

The biggest plus of the film is how it captures the raw emotion and complexities of its characters. The film – based on a book of the same, tackles important issues beautifully. The casting of Isabela Ferrer as young Lily is just a chef’s kiss.

What Doesn’t Work

While all the characters deliver believable performances, the chemistry between Lily and Ryle is lacking. The spark between the duo is flickering throughout and the reason for it is not the script.

Technical Analytics

Story, Screenplay & Dialogues

Based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, It Ends with Us, the Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni and Brandon Sklenar romance is exactly what is written in the book. The film – which addresses serious issues like abuse and toxicity in a relationship, crosses over into a soap opera with its narrative. Having not read the book or even researched about it online, the film remains predictable.

The film follows a non-linear storytelling pattern that jumps between her past – growing up in a home where her father is abusive and finding solace in the arms of her new friend Atlas, and the current life of Lily. The parallels shows between the two time periods is therapeutic and is sure to begin a healing process for many.

Justin Baldoni has done a good job in directing the film, but a bit more refinement would make it a better product. And a real tearjerker for women or anyone who has been or is in a not-so-healthy relationship.

Editing

Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan have done a great job when it comes to editing the film, however, a shorter runtime would have been better.

Music

The music provided by Rob Simonsen and Duncan Blickenstaff helps the narrative but doesn’t leave a lasting impression that accompanies you once you leave the theatre. That being said, it does add more character and depth to the story, making for a more emotional watch.

It Ends With Us Star Performances

Blake Lively is the life of the film. Being the most pivotal character in the story, Blake has given her all to playing Lily Blossom Bloom and the 2-hour long, beautifully edited footage we see on screen is proof. She commands attention in every scene and shows how the raw emotions of individuals when they witness violence inflicted by their closest kin.

Justin Baldoni plays a complex character and brings out all the dark shades of Ryle Kincaid in a manner that makes you want to be colourblind. You want to ignore all the red flags he holds. Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan is a treat to watch on the big screen. From his ‘green flag’ nature to always being there for his friend, his performance will make you root for him to have a happily ever after from the moment you see him on screen.

Jenny Slate as Allysa and Hasan Minhaja as Marshall – Ryle’s sister and brother-in-law, and Isabela Ferrer as young Lily and Alex Neustaedter as young Atlas also deliver commendable jobs.

Conclusion

‘It Ends With Us’ beautifully addresses a very serious issue with a story that has light and love-filled moments. Blake Lively puts an end to the green-flag, red-flag drama with a tear-jerking performance that will empower all – men and women, to leave behind a toxic relationship. While some might find the ending bittersweet, it’s a fitting conclusion to Lily’s story.

Hope out ‘It Ends With Us’ review was insightful.

Watch the trailer of It Ends With Us here:

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