It Ends With Us :
A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Love and Strength
Introduction
It Ends
With Us (2024),
directed by Justin Baldoni and based on Colleen Hoover’s New York Times
bestselling novel, is not your typical romantic drama. It is a gripping story
that delves into the complexities of love, domestic violence, and personal
empowerment. Featuring a stellar performance by Blake Lively as Lily Bloom,
this film captures the raw emotional weight of Hoover’s novel while sparking
necessary conversations around trauma, healing, and inner strength.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, performances, direction, emotional impact, social relevance, and more. Whether you're a fan of the book or a moviegoer exploring intense romantic dramas, this review will guide you through why It Ends With Us is a must-watch in 2025.
Plot Summary
The film
follows Lily Bloom, a resilient and ambitious young woman who moves to
Boston to start her dream flower shop. She meets Ryle Kincaid (Justin
Baldoni), a charismatic neurosurgeon who initially seems perfect—smart,
passionate, and romantic. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their love story
quickly intensifies.
However,
as their relationship progresses, Ryle's darker side begins to surface. Moments
of tenderness are increasingly interrupted by explosive bouts of anger and
emotional volatility. As Lily struggles to reconcile the man she loves with the
abuse she experiences, she finds solace in journal entries from her past—memories
of her first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), who once saved her
from a troubled home.
When Atlas unexpectedly reappears, Lily is forced to make a life-altering choice: stay trapped in a cycle of trauma or break free for the sake of her future. The movie culminates in a powerful and emotional ending that speaks to the strength it takes to end a relationship for the right reasons—even if it’s with someone you love.
Performance Review:
Heartfelt Acting That Leaves a
Mark
Blake Lively as Lily Bloom
Lively
delivers one of the most nuanced performances of her career. As Lily, she
perfectly balances strength and vulnerability. Viewers witness her
transformation—from hopeful lover to a woman torn by pain to someone who finds
the courage to walk away. Her emotional breakdowns feel real, raw, and
incredibly personal. She carries the emotional weight of the film with
authenticity and grace.
Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid
Baldoni’s
portrayal of Ryle is chilling and layered. He captures the duality of a man who
is both tender and terrifying. He doesn’t fall into the trap of making Ryle a
cartoonish villain. Instead, he presents a complex character struggling with
deep-seated anger and unresolved trauma. This performance adds to the film’s
realism and emotional complexity.
Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan
Atlas is
the grounding presence Lily needs. Sklenar’s calm and steady demeanor offers a
stark contrast to Ryle’s volatility. Though his screen time is more limited,
his character leaves a lasting impact. His quiet strength and enduring love for
Lily serve as a symbol of hope and emotional healing.
Why You Should Watch It
It Ends With Us is more than just a romantic drama—it’s a powerful emotional experience that reflects the harsh realities of love, pain, and strength. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your must-watch list: A deeply emotional love story that resonates with real-life struggles and hard choices.
- Strong Performances: Blake Lively’s
career-defining role and emotionally intelligent direction by Justin
Baldoni.
- Relatable Story: Explores real-life issues
that affect millions of people worldwide.
- Powerful Message: It teaches viewers that
ending a relationship doesn’t mean failure—it can mean freedom.
- Cultural Moment: With a massive fanbase
from the book and viral online discussions, this film is at the center of
2025’s most talked-about movies.
Direction and Cinematography
Justin
Baldoni, known for his work on Five Feet Apart, brings a sensitive and
empathetic lens to this film. His direction never sensationalizes the abuse;
instead, it brings emotional realism to the screen. The choice of close-up
shots during key emotional scenes helps viewers connect intimately with Lily’s
internal struggle.
Read more Pretty Woman
Key Themes:
1. The Cycle of Abuse
One of
the most powerful aspects of It Ends With Us is how it portrays domestic
abuse not just in physical terms, but emotional and psychological ones. The
movie shows how abuse can be cyclical and how victims often find themselves
trapped by hope, guilt, and love. It addresses the grey areas—how someone can
hurt you and still love you, and how difficult it is to break free.
2. Intergenerational Trauma
The film
explores how childhood trauma influences adult relationships. Lily’s experience
growing up with an abusive father parallels her present-day struggles with
Ryle. Her fear of becoming her mother haunts her, making her decision to leave
Ryle even more impactful. It’s a reminder that generational cycles of abuse can
only be broken with immense courage.
3. Empowerment Through Choice
Emotional Impact: Expect to Be Moved
This film
hits hard emotionally. It doesn’t shy away from the pain of abusive
relationships. Scenes where Lily confronts Ryle or reflects on her childhood
are especially heart-wrenching. The most powerful scene is arguably the
climax—when Lily says, “It ends with us,” firmly yet tearfully ending the cycle
of abuse for her daughter’s future. It’s a moment that breaks and heals the
audience simultaneously.
Fans of
the book will likely cry at several points. Even those unfamiliar with the
source material will be affected by the film’s emotional honesty.
Cultural Relevance in 2025
1. A Story For the #MeToo Generation
It Ends
With Us is more
than just a love story. It is a film for the #MeToo era. In 2025, as
conversations around toxic relationships and mental health continue, the film
contributes to a much-needed dialogue about boundaries, healing, and justice.
2. Trending on BookTok and Beyond
Colleen
Hoover’s novel was already a viral sensation on BookTok and Instagram Reels,
especially among Gen Z and Millennial readers. The film adaptation benefits
from that built-in audience and expands its reach by addressing universal
themes of love, regret, and empowerment.
3. Timeless Yet Timely
Despite
being set in the present day, the film feels timeless because of its universal
themes. However, its release aligns perfectly with today’s push for more
realistic female protagonists and nuanced portrayals of mental health and
domestic issues in media.
Adaptation vs. Book:
How Faithful Is the Film?
The movie
remains largely faithful to Colleen Hoover’s novel, preserving the core plot
and key emotional beats. Some secondary plot points are streamlined for time,
and certain characters may have limited development compared to the book.
However, the essence of Lily’s journey—her strength, her pain, and her ultimate
decision—remains intact.
Fans of
the novel will appreciate how the film preserves many iconic lines and scenes,
including:
- Lily and Ryle’s first
rooftop conversation
- Atlas finding Lily hurt and
stepping in
- The final goodbye between
Lily and Ryle
- The touching last moment
with Atlas and their daughter
Criticisms and Controversies
While the
movie has received praise, it’s not without controversy. Some viewers argue
that the film romanticizes abuse by showing Ryle in a sympathetic light. Others
feel that Atlas’s character should have been more prominent in the storyline.
These debates are valid and reflect the complex nature of the material.
However,
the film does not excuse Ryle’s behavior. Instead, it portrays the internal
conflict victims often face when their abuser is also someone they deeply love.
This realism makes the story uncomfortable—but also necessary.
Final Verdict
It Ends
With Us is not
just a movie—it’s a movement. It encourages viewers to look within, reevaluate
their relationships, and make empowered choices. The film may not be an easy
watch, but it’s a necessary one.
Blake
Lively gives a stunning performance that anchors the film’s emotional weight,
while Justin Baldoni’s direction ensures the story is told with sensitivity and
depth. As an adaptation, it honors the spirit of Colleen Hoover’s novel while
providing new layers through cinematic storytelling.
This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll—a heart-wrenching, healing, and human story that truly ends with strength.
