Review of ‘It Ends With Us’: Blake Lively’s Film Falls Short of Its Promise

The film places a greater emphasis on romance rather than delving into the intricate nature of abuse. While the performances are compelling, it ultimately misses the mark in fully addressing the impact of trauma.

When Blake Lively’s character, Lily Bloom, first encounters Justin Baldoni’s Ryle Kincaid in *It Ends With Us*, I couldn’t help but think how convenient it was for them to cross paths on a terrace. This initial coincidence felt even more forced when Allysa (played by Jenny Slate) unexpectedly seeks a job at Lily’s flower shop, only to later reveal that she is Ryle’s sister, which conveniently advances their romance. The writing continues down this path of convenience, as Lily’s flower shop quickly becomes one of the top ten businesses in Boston. Despite falling in love with Ryle and marrying him, Lily never shares her past trauma with him. While these plot conveniences undermine the story’s authenticity, the film eventually redeems itself by addressing the serious issue of domestic abuse. However, its failure to fully delve into the complexities of trauma and its consequences leaves a sense of incompleteness.

The first half of *It Ends With Us* leans heavily on romance, overshadowing the more serious themes of trauma. Although the romantic elements feel somewhat formulaic, Blake Lively’s commanding presence and the chemistry she shares with the talented Justin Baldoni help elevate the story. The film employs a non-linear narrative, providing glimpses into Lily’s teenage years with her ex-boyfriend, Atlas. Isabela Ferrer, who portrays young Lily, bears a striking resemblance to Lively, drawing us into Lily’s past and making us eager to learn why her relationship with Atlas (played by Alex Neustaedter) didn’t last. These brief moments of romance, trust, and connection between young Lily and Atlas are some of the most captivating parts of the film.

It Ends With Us* holds significant promise as a film that tackles the critical issue of domestic abuse, illustrating how this cycle often perpetuates through generations due to societal conditioning. It sheds light on why many women may normalize toxic behaviors in their partners and emphasizes the need for those around them to offer support and understanding rather than judgment for their choices. However, the film could have been more impactful if it had placed greater emphasis on the realities of abuse and the lasting trauma it inflicts. For instance, depicting the aftermath of a victim leaving an abusive relationship could have added depth and resonance to the narrative.

Despite these shortcomings, the film remains engaging, particularly with Justin Baldoni’s charming performance, delivering lines that make us swoon, like, “When you stub your toe, I get so angry; I blame myself that the wall is there.”

**Director:** Justin Baldoni
**Cast:** Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate
**Rating:** 2.5/5 stars