It Ends With Us (2024), directed by and co-starring Justin Baldoni, adapts Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel into a heartfelt yet uneven romantic drama. The film follows Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a woman rebuilding her life in Boston after a traumatic childhood, who falls for the charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni). Their relationship begins passionately but soon reveals darker layers of emotional and physical abuse, forcing Lily to confront painful memories and rediscover her strength with the reappearance of her first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar).
Blake Lively delivers a sincere and emotionally grounded performance, capturing Lily’s resilience and vulnerability, while Baldoni plays Ryle with an unsettling mix of warmth and volatility. The film’s visuals are polished and atmospheric, and its use of music effectively underscores Lily’s emotional journey. Its core message, about breaking cycles of abuse and choosing self-worth over toxic love, remains powerful and timely.
However, the film struggles with tonal balance and pacing. At times, its romantic gloss undermines the gravity of its subject matter, and some dialogue feels overly sentimental. Fans of Hoover’s novel may find that certain emotional nuances and subplots are simplified or rushed.
Overall, It Ends With Us is an earnest, visually appealing adaptation that carries a strong emotional and moral core. While not flawless, it succeeds in portraying the painful beauty of self-liberation and the courage it takes to end with love.
Quotes from It Ends With Us (2024)
“If you ever find yourself in the position to love somebody again, just fall in love with me.” — Atlas Corrigan
“Love isn’t for me. Lust is nice though.” — Ryle Kincaid
“Sometimes an unexpected wave comes along, sucks you up and refuses to spit you back out. Ryle is my unexpected tidal wave.” — Lily Bloom
“As hard as this choice is, we break the pattern before the pattern breaks us.” — (Used in both the book & film)
“As his sister, I wish more than anything that you find a way to forgive him. But as your best friend, I have to tell you that if you take him back, I will never speak to you again.” — Alyssa (Ryle’s sister)
