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'It Ends With Us': Eye Candy Can't Save Shallow Drama

Published 2 months ago on Aug 14, 2024

It Ends With Us Review: Blake Lively Shines in a Visually Stunning but Shallow Drama.

Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel It Ends With Us captivated readers with its raw portrayal of domestic abuse, becoming a New York Times bestseller and earning translations into 20 languages. Now, the story has made its way to the big screen, starring Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, with Justin Baldoni—who also directs—as the charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid. Despite the film's visual allure and star-studded soundtrack featuring Lana Del Rey, Lewis Capaldi, and Taylor Swift, it ultimately falls short in depth, offering a cinematic experience that is both visually engaging and emotionally superficial.

Plot and Characters

The film opens with a poignant moment on a rooftop in Boston, where Lily, played by Lively, is seen grappling with the recent death of her father, a man who was both a respected community figure and an abusive spouse. Enter Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), a neurosurgeon whose romantic pursuit of Lily unfolds with all the predictable trappings of a movie romance—candlelit dinners, bowling alley dates, and karaoke sessions. The couple's chemistry is undeniable, yet their relationship's trajectory is marred by clichés.

The film introduces an additional layer of complexity with the character of Atlas Corrigan, portrayed by Brandon Sklenar. Atlas, Lily’s first love and a former homeless youth now thriving as a restaurateur, reenters her life, creating tension and adding depth to the narrative. Flashbacks to their teenage years, featuring Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter, provide insight into their past, though these sequences fail to fully develop their backstory.

Themes and Execution

While It Ends With Us tackles serious themes of domestic violence, its execution lacks the emotional weight and complexity of its source material. The film’s portrayal of abuse, while visually compelling, feels superficial. The romantic elements, though engaging, overshadow the deeper, darker aspects of the story. The script, peppered with melodramatic moments, often feels more like a glossy romance than a profound exploration of trauma and resilience.

Tallulah Willis, a supporting character in the film, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the film’s struggle to balance its romantic and serious themes. The film’s focus on aesthetic appeal and star power detracts from the impactful storytelling necessary to address such a heavy subject matter.

Visuals and Performances

Blake Lively delivers a visually stunning performance, embodying the character of Lily with grace and charisma. Justin Baldoni, both in front of and behind the camera, brings a polished yet predictable portrayal of Ryle. The film’s cinematography, featuring sweeping cityscapes and intimate close-ups, enhances its visual appeal but often feels like a distraction from the narrative’s deeper issues.

The film’s soundtrack, featuring contributions from popular artists, complements the on-screen romance but fails to elevate the film’s emotional depth. Songs by Lana Del Rey, Lewis Capaldi, and Taylor Swift underscore the film’s romantic and dramatic moments, yet they do little to address the complexities of the story.

Comparison to Other Films

In comparison to other films that tackle domestic violence, It Ends With Us falls short. Movies such as The Color Purple and Precious offer more nuanced and impactful portrayals of abuse, leaving It Ends With Us to be remembered more for its visual appeal and star power than for its contribution to the conversation on domestic violence.

Other Cinematic Offerings

In addition to It Ends With Us, there are other films currently making waves. Babes, directed by Pamela Adlon, presents a comedic yet coarse exploration of friendship and motherhood. The film, featuring Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau, offers both humor and occasional crude humor, reminiscent of Bridesmaids but with a focus on the challenges of motherhood.

Borderlands, directed by Eli Roth and starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jamie Lee Curtis, is a sci-fi adventure based on a popular video game. Despite its impressive cast and visual effects, the film’s derivative elements and lack of originality may not resonate with all viewers.

Lastly, The Instigators, available on Apple TV+, is a comedy heist thriller featuring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. While the film’s Boston setting and star-studded cast offer some appeal, its execution leaves much to be desired in terms of both humor and suspense.

It Ends With Us stands as a visually appealing adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel but struggles to balance its romantic elements with its serious themes. While Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni deliver engaging performances, the film’s shallow treatment of its subject matter may leave viewers craving a more profound exploration of domestic violence. As the film joins other recent releases in theaters, it is clear that while it excels in aesthetics, it falls short in delivering a meaningful narrative experience.

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