Believe me when I say it has been a long road to get to where we are now with It Ends With Us, the latest film to hit the number one spot on Netflix's top ten movies list. From the off-screen drama (involving the director and his lead actress), to the numerous think pieces and chatter that followed as a result, this film has certainly given us tons of entertainment since its release in August. Drama aside, It Ends With Us has been a massive success, grossing $350 million at the box office during its run in theaters. An adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel of the same title, the film stars Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, a young woman who relocates to Boston to chase her lifelong dream of being an entrepreneur. While there, she has a chance meeting with a neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), who sweeps her off her feet.
This Twist-Filled Blake Lively Film Just Hit #1 on Netflix (Despite the Off-Screen Drama)
You won't be disappointed
As expected, there is always a “but…” with these types of movies, and the but…comes in with Mr. Kincaid not being exactly who and what he originally claimed to be, as she begins to see a side of him that reminds her of the tumultuous relationship her parents had. That, however, is not the end of the drama as an old flame re-enters Bloom’s life, therefore putting her in a position where she has to make a choice between her past lover and her new one.
The non-stop conversations revolving around this film are exactly why the interest in it keeps on growing, or as Vulture editor Roxana Hadadi stated in her review, “There’s love-triangle tension between Lily, Ryle, and Atlas, of course. But It Ends With Us wants to be more important than that, and so it can’t go more than a few minutes without reminding us of the characters’ damage — a cynical tactic that suggests we’ll only care about these three if we know how hurt they are.”
My thoughts? I don’t believe in shying away from uncomfortable topics and the discussions that come with it. It Ends With Us is a film all about cycles and generational trauma. Unfortunately, what we see growing up is what we sometimes repeat within elements of our own lives and relationships. I believe the cycle of generational trauma cannot be broken if it is not pointed out by something or someone, so to that effect, I think It Ends With Us is a film worth watching.
And while I won’t get as far as saying this movie could give somebody the confidence needed to start tackling their own generational cycles and trauma, I will say that it could be a factor in helping to lead somebody down that path.
I also think the film is well-made with great cinematography and pacing from the actors. Additionally, it does a good job of capturing the general essence of the book, while maintaining its own individuality. Is it a tough watch? Yes. Do you walk away with perhaps a new perspective on certain elements of life? Possibly, and that is more than enough reason to give it a shot in my book.
You can watch It Ends With Us via Netflix right now.
