The adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It ends with us finally hit theaters last Friday (August 8, 2024), presenting an emotional journey that explores love, resilience, and the complexities of relationships. Directed by Justin Baldoni and starring Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, and Justin Baldoni himself, the film generated a lot of buzz long before its release.

As an avid reader, I devoured Colleen Hoover’s novel about two years ago and have been addicted to her books ever since. So when I found out IEwU was intended as a movie, I couldn’t wait to get my tickets. Last Thursday I went to the cinema with some friends and I have to say that although the film was good, fans of the book will probably be pretty disappointed. I certainly was.

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For those of you who haven’t read the book yet (which you definitely should!), here’s a quick overview of what to expect. It ends with us follows the life of Lily Bloom, portrayed by Blake Lively, as she navigates the challenges of love and personal growth. The story revolves a lot around her and Ryle’s (Justin Baldoni) relationship, which starts off strong and passionate but quickly unravels as issues like domestic violence arise. Throughout the book/movie, Lily deals with the effects of a past trauma, her first love resurfacing in her life, new friends and careers, and the changes that happen as we grow up.

There was a lot of drama when the cast was chosen late last year. Many fans of the book, including myself, felt that Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni were not the right choices for the main characters in the film. I like Blake Lively, but she was never what I imagined when I read the novel. I must say, though, that she really shines in her role as Lily Bloom, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the character’s strength and vulnerability.

Other casting choices, including lesser-known actors in key supporting roles, lend authenticity to the story’s interpersonal dynamics. While Justin Baldoni wouldn’t have been my first choice for Ryle, he captures the dark, enigmatic personality required for the character. And Jenny Slate and Brandon Sklenar fit their respective roles perfectly.

In my opinion. Jenny Slate, who plays Alyssa, did a great job of capturing the character’s bubbly and somewhat pushy — yet loving — personality. Lively’s chemistry with her two co-stars, who play important roles in Lily’s journey, adds depth to the narrative.

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“Will the movie be as good as the book? Will the movie do it full justice?”

That’s the question readers always ask themselves when one of their favorite books is made into a movie. It’s no different for me!

I think if you haven’t read the book, you’ll find the film phenomenal. But if you have read it, you’ll find it phenomenal…OK. While it was still worth watching, I think it wasn’t what it could and should have been.

I remember feeling lost after reading the book. It was a work of art that honestly left you reeling when you finished the pages. The novel made me cry, laugh, cheer for Lily, and experience every other emotion in between. It was a message about how domestic violence can really happen to anyone. It made me grapple with domestic violence from start to finish in a way I never really had before. I wish the movie had done the subject justice, but unfortunately I don’t think it did.

In my view, the main reason the film did not reach its full dramatic potential is that the studio decided to give it a PG-13 rating. Would an R rating have allowed it to delve deeper into the true message of the book? I think thatThat’s what should have happened. PG-13 simply doesn’t allow for the graphic nature of the original story. And while some say that’s not necessary, I believe it was absolutely necessary for the audience to truly understand Lily’s journey.

I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll leave it at this: The book puts Lily’s entire life into perspective. The reader understands what she experienced in detail and, yes, in graphic detail. The film, on the other hand, only shows glimpses of what happened to her and around her, and that lessens the impact of the whole thing. So, while I enjoyed the film, I don’t think it will have the same impact on viewers as Hoover’s book did on readers.

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It ends with us is a film that will keep you entertained, but doesn’t quite do justice to Colleen Hoover’s powerful storytelling. On the other hand, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s performances were surprisingly strong and far exceeded my personal expectations. Sklenar’s portrayal of Atlas was captivating, while Jenny Slate’s Alyssa brought the best friend we all wish we had to the film.

If you are discovering the story for the first time without having read the book, you will absolutely love it (and I definitely recommend reading the novel afterward). If you have read the book, I think you’ll still enjoy it. Just don’t expect the movie to be anywhere near as gripping as the novel.

For those who want to know if they agree with me, It ends with us is in theaters now, so get your tickets below!

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR “IT ENDS” FROM US NOW!

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