IT ENDS WITH US was on my radar because it was on my wife’s radar. Based on the best selling novel by Colleen Hoover, this story of brokenness and family violence is a powerful narrative brought to life by a very pretty group of men and women.
Having not read the book I can only speak from the film side. I cannot speak to those who love the book and want to see it play out in movie form. The story is powerful and delivered in a way that offers no true villain. Yes, there are inexcusable actions and most certainly victims.
Lily Bloom (Blake Lively) is a sinlge, hardworking young woman living in Boston. We discover quickly though flashback moments that she grew up surrounded by domestic violence. Both in her life and that of Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), a classmate of hers. This bond has united them through their lives even though they have not seen each other in decades.
When Lily meets Ryle (Justin Baldoni) she is willing to let het guard down for the first time. They seem like the perfect couple. Ryle is the brother of Lily’s best friend Allysa (Jenny Slate) which makes the union seem even more destined. When Atlas comes back into Lily’s life it stirs up not just emotions of the past but concerns from Atlas that now all is well with Lily.
I can see why the book would be so popular. It was very engaging as a screenplay which makes me think the novel is even deeper. You feel for these characters and as the pieces come together the heartbreak grows.
As I mentioned, my wife is a fan of the book and I can share her thoughts from that perspective. She agreed that the film does a solid job of capturing the traits and personality of the characters. What we see on screen is only a small part of the day to day life of Lily and Ryle. Yet what we get is enough to know that is going on.
I am a fan of the cast. Sklenar caught our attention in the TV series 1923 as Spencer Dutton of the Yellowstone clan. He is a perfect choice for Atlas; who is an ex-marine turned Chef. He is quiet, hard working, with an underlying anger that seems ready to bubble. over. Jenny Slate is a scene stealer and adds a much needed lighter mood. It is always wonderful to see her and I loved her here.
The early years of Lily and Atlas are played by Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter. I normally am not a fan of flashback scenes but found myself just as drawn to this story line as the present. It is in these moments that we watch the bond between them solidify. Theirs is a unity brought about by trauma which is aways the strongest joiner.
At the heart of the story of course is Lily and Ryle. And theirs is the most heartbreaking. Baldoni brings us a character full of depth and question. Those who read the book will probably not be able to take the same journey with him that first time viewers will. For us, you are hoping beyond hope that what you think is coming will not. This allows for a moving story that holds you from start to finish.
Blake Lively is always going to be Blake Lively. And that is not a fault. It is for the same reason that Kate Hudson is always Kate Hudson and Jennifer Anniston is always Jennifer Anniston. You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit. Blake is a wonderful actress who is capable of capturing emotion with out saying a word. You read her hoy and pain in her eyes. That is what makes her perfect for this role. Book lovers might argue.. but she game me what I wanted from Lily.
IT ENDS WITH US ends with happy tears which makes up for all the tears before it. My prayer is that people walk away from the film asking questions, getting help if needed, and knowing that what has happened for generations does not have to continue. It can indeed end.
IT ENDS WITH US is rated PG-13 for domestic violence, sexual content and some strong language.
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