It Ends with Us
It Ends with Us
When a woman's first love suddenly reenters her life, her relationship with a charming, but abusive neurosurgeon is upended and she realizes she must learn to rely on her own strength to make an impossible choice for her future.
Theemaineone reviewedJanuary 26, 2025
The performances in It Ends With Us don’t fully land. Blake Lively gives Lily a quiet strength, but at times, her portrayal feels a little stiff, especially in moments that should show more vulnerability. Justin Baldoni’s Ryle, on the other hand, doesn’t quite convince me. His shift from charming doctor to a volatile, toxic partner just doesn’t feel earned, and some of the more intense scenes miss the mark.
The pacing also feels off. The first half of the movie drags a bit, and then it seems to rush through important emotional moments, leaving some relationships feeling underdeveloped. It’s like the movie never fully takes the time to explore what’s at the heart of the story.
What really stands out as a missed opportunity is the way the film handles the complexities of abuse and toxic relationships. While it touches on these themes, it doesn’t dig deep enough to make them feel truly impactful. Given that’s the core of the story, it feels like a bit of a letdown.
Overall, It Ends With Us didn’t really do it for me. I found myself wondering what all the hype was about. While fans of the book might connect with it more, for anyone else unfamiliar with the story, it feels like a watered-down version of something deeper. For a film tackling heavy topics, it definitely didn’t meet my expectations.