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| Photo from Internet Movie Poster Awards |
Director: Justin Baldoni
Length: 2h 11min
Genre: Romance/Drama
Rating: PG-13
Released: Aug. 9, 2024
Happy Thursday!
I know usually I write about a film in theaters and a film on a streaming platform, however plans change and things happen. I didn’t feel like I was ready to write about the film I was planning for today’s post, so that will be postponed until this upcoming Tuesday. For today, I want to talk about It Ends With Us. I do know this film was just in select theaters again for a limited time if you’re interested in seeing it. If I am being honest, after seeing it when it came out and sitting on my thoughts for a while, I’ve decided that I didn’t really like the film. For the sake of this blog, I think it’s good that I didn’t really like it so I don’t just write about what I do like. Two things you should know about me is I am a big romance reader, so of course I read the book before I even heard of any film adaptation plans and for today, I am going to ignore the discourse that went around about the film, the book, Colleen Hoover (the author of the book which the film is based on), Justin Baldoni, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.
Immediately after seeing the film for the first time, I wanted to say it was good. I think the storyline made sense in comparison to the book, but of course I think the book was better. Here’s why I say that: I think the film was a synopsis of the book. The film was a little over two hours long, and it is not lost to me that if they made the film exactly like the book, it is fair to assume the film would have been close to five hours long. On the flip side, I think that if you’re going to do it, you need to do it right. Even with the film being two hours I think it left out so many details, important and not. Not only did they leave out details, but I’m fairly certain that some things were changed from how it was written in the book.
What I will say is that to my knowledge, this film was supposed to raise awareness about domestic violence and I do think it did that well. I know that seeing and witnessing domestic violence can be jarring to an audience and I have to assume that is why some of those parts of the book were edited out. At the same time though, this is partially how the film was being promoted, as a film to raise awareness for domestic violence so I think leaving it in would have been fine. I also think that leaving those parts in would have elicited a better response from viewers who read the book because it would have been more accurate. However, the awareness was present nonetheless. I was shocked to learn that this film is only rated PG-13. I would have definitely thought it would be rated R considering the content.
Now, let’s get into the casting because I have a lot to say. First, I loved Justin Baldoni as Ryle. I think that he was a perfect fit. I haven’t watched many things with Baldoni in them, but I have seen a few seasons of Jane the Virgin where (I think) he played that part well. This role is serious compared to his role on the aforementioned show, and I thought it was interesting to see him in a role where his character was the villain. Due to this, and because I think playing a role like that has to be incredibly difficult, I think I enjoyed the technicality of his acting the most. Another thing that was interesting to learn was that he actually directed the film as well. Moving on, another character that I think was casted well was Allysa, played by Jenny Slate. In the book, the character has such a big personality and I think that was translated well to the film. Jenny Slate did such a great job channeling that personality and bringing the character to life. I wish she had more screen time, but we can’t all be pleased.
It’s time for my negative casting thoughts. To address the elephant in the room, I think Blake Lively’s character, Lily Bloom, a main character, could have been casted so much better. I think in the book her character is portrayed as someone who isn't as mature. I also think that in the book Lily Bloom has a higher energy and in my opinion, that didn’t come through in the film. I also don’t know who was in charge of her wardrobe but I fear they didn’t read the book. The clothes in the film don’t match the characters personality. Also, they are just strange. I feel like they were trying to take a new and interesting take on it but it was just distracting and impractical. Impractical in real life because no one in real life who owns a flower shop is going to be wearing what Blake Lively was wearing. Her wardrobe in particular is something that occupies many of my thoughts about the film but in a way where I can’t find the right combination of words to explain what I’m thinking. I’m begging that you please Google her outfits. I also want to say I didn’t enjoy Brandon Sklenar playing Atlas Corrigan. I think he played the part really well, but I don’t think he matched the description of the character as described in the book. I know that isn’t a big deal to non-readers but it bothered me.
All and all, I don’t hate the film but I most likely won’t watch it again. This isn’t a film that requires the viewer to analyze it and search for a deeper meaning. In that sense, it is very surface level and that isn’t the type of films that I usually enjoy watching. It definitely provoked emotion and I think if you have read the book you should watch the film at least once.
