It Ends with Us

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://talkingfilms.net/it-ends-with-us-review-balancing-love-trauma-and-abuse/

"It Ends With Us tries to balance heavy drama and conventional romance with some difficulties, but it manages to offer a minimally thought-provoking reflection on generational trauma and relationship abuse.

Formulaic and not as deep as the complexity of its themes demands, yet still effective enough due to the strong performances of the cast, Justin Baldoni's sensitive lens, and several valuable messages for the audience.

The heart is in the right place, despite the problems that haunt the film."

Rating: B-

"Lily" (Blake Lively) is supposed to give an eulogy at her father's funeral, but she can't. Even with her mother (Amy Morton) there and in the full glare of a packed church, she cannot find five good things to say about the man. Quickly we learn - through some flashbacks - just why that is, and just why she's grown up to be a bit of a romantic. Then she encounters neuro-surgeon "Ryle" (Justin Baldoni) and there is instant chemistry. She then opens a long-dreamed of flower shop and a stranger walks in seeking a job. Guess what? She's "Allysa" (Jenny Slate) who just happens to be the sister of her enigmatic stranger. Maybe they can make a go of things? Well a dinner one evening brings her face to face with "Atlas" (Brandon Sklenar) and that t...

I found 'It Ends with Us' to be largely great, though the way it ends does make me question how I feel about it.

The performances of Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni (just me who thinks he looks a touch like Runar from 'Ice Age'? ...), Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate - heck, even Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter (iffy likeness aside) - are stellar. I sensed a lot of chemistry between Lively & Baldoni and Lively & Sklenar, which is impressive to succeed in that area twice.

Pace-wise the movie jumps along nicely, all the other major elements like editing, music and whatever are all well done and are only plus points. However, the conclusion disappoints a bit. I do think it just about regains its footing to produce a positive ending, though ...

Amazing movie, I really like it. It is outstanding.

It Ends With Us, directed by Justin Baldoni and based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, explores the complexities of love and domestic abuse through the eyes of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively). The film captures Lily's journey from a hopeful flower shop owner to a woman facing the harsh realities of her relationship with Ryle (Justin Baldoni), a charming but abusive neurosurgeon.

My Experience:

Watching It Ends With Us was both impactful and frustrating. The cinematography was beautiful, and Lively delivered a nuanced performance that conveyed Lily's internal struggles effectively. However, I felt the film struggled with pacing and often leaned too heavily on melodrama, which detracted from its emotional weight. The portrayal of domest...