Blake Lively, best known for her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen in ‘Gossip Girl,’ is back on the big screen in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, ‘It Ends With Us.’ The novel, which became a literary phenomenon since its release in 2016, tells the story of Lily Bloom, a passionate florist who opens her own shop in Boston. She meets Ryle Kincaid, a brilliant neurosurgeon who quickly captures her attention. Their relationship, though initially idyllic, takes a dark turn as Lily discovers Ryle’s true nature. This revelation brings back painful memories from her childhood, where she endured abuse from her father. As Ryle’s controlling behavior intensifies, Lily finds solace in reconnecting with her first love. ‘It Ends With Us’ has been translated into over 20 languages and sold over 250,000 copies in France. Author Colleen Hoover is renowned for her young adult fiction and gained widespread popularity on TikTok before skyrocketing to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic. The novel’s success, particularly its depiction of domestic violence, resonated with millions of readers worldwide. While ‘It Ends With Us’ shares similarities with other popular books like ‘After’ and ‘Fifty Shades of Grey,’ it distinguishes itself by avoiding the glorification of toxic masculinity. Instead, the story aims to denounce such behavior, raising hopes for a more nuanced adaptation on the big screen. Directed by Justin Baldoni, ‘It Ends With Us’ hit American theaters on August 7th. Lively’s portrayal of Lily Bloom has drawn audiences to the film, with viewers praising the director’s ability to portray Ryle’s manipulative tactics without resorting to graphic imagery. Lily’s struggles with escaping the cycle of violence are convincingly depicted, highlighting the challenges she faces even with her financial resources. The film features a strong cast, with significant roles played by Riley’s sister, who provides unwavering support to Lily. Despite Lively’s performance, ‘It Ends With Us’ faces criticism for potentially romanticizing domestic violence, a subject still too familiar in Hollywood. A more comprehensive assessment will require further analysis, which will be available next week. ‘It Ends With Us’ is slated for a French release on August 14, 2024.
Blake Lively Returns to the Big Screen in ‘It Ends With Us’: A Look at the Controversial Adaptation
