Released: August 2024
Director: Justin Baldoni
Reviewer Rating: 8/10
"It Ends With Us" is a great book adaptation. I first read the book a long time ago, and when the movie was confirmed, I was so excited! When a book is adapted for TV, there is always a fear that it will not live up to readers' expectations, and I felt that apprehension while the movie was in production and photos were being released.
The movie, based on the novel by Colleen Hoover, was true to the book. As always, there were some changes, but nothing that impacted the movie itself. The story and most of the scenes were the same, and when it comes to a TV adaptation of a book we like, this is what matters.
Directed by Justin Baldoni, who was also one of the protagonists, "It Ends With Us" was well produced. The plot follows Lily Bloom, a woman who has just moved to Boston to start her new business. With this life change, Ryle, a neurosurgeon, enters her life. He quickly falls in love with Lily, and she with him. Then Atlas, Lily's high school sweetheart, reappears in her life, putting her relationship with Ryle in jeopardy.
Don’t think this is just a sweet romance. It is not. This movie can be very triggering for some women who have dealt with domestic violence. This is the main point of the movie and book: breaking cycles.
Blake Lively was the perfect actress to portray Lily. Her acting was exceptional; she was able to convey all the emotions and represent every aspect of Lily Bloom. Baldoni was also a good Ryle—charming and sweet. In the heavy scenes, he did a great job showing anger, and I appreciated how the violence scenes were portrayed.
As someone who enjoys aspects of adaptations beyond acting, I must credit the costumes. Lively was responsible for choosing Lily’s clothes, and I think she made excellent choices that reflected Lily’s youth while keeping up with current fashion trends. The scenery was also well done.
In my opinion, the soundtrack was a standout. With contributions from Lewis Capaldi, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Cigarettes After Sex, the soundtrack was tailored for a younger generation. The kind of music that, as the scene unfolds, you find yourself singing along (at least I did when "My Tears Ricochet" by Taylor Swift started to play).
One aspect that disappointed me was the chemistry between Atlas and Lily. I expected more chemistry between them—a fire that would arise from a relationship that began in childhood. However, the connection didn’t quite resonate with me. Brandon Sklenar, who played Atlas Corrigan, is a good actor, but he didn’t seem like the perfect match for Lively.
Another point that seemed odd was that the movie appeared to target a younger audience, even though it is meant for adults. It felt more like a romance for a teen audience, ages 17 and up, rather than a more mature demographic. Perhaps this is because younger readers are familiar with Hoover’s books, which might skew the audience younger than intended.
As an adaptation, the movie is good. It includes the essential parts of the book, with a strong script, photography, acting, and production. I would recommend it, but if you’re looking for a revolutionary movie, this is not it. And if domestic violence is a trigger for you, it’s best to skip it. Your mental health is more important than any form of entertainment.
Keep up with the drama and see you soon,
Gabi
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