The emotional story of love and abuse, enhanced with the courage of leaving, writes Abhi Singhal

Starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni as the lead actors, It Ends With Us is all set to release on Netflix after a phenomenal box-office response from the cinema in August. The film is the cinematic adaptation of the bestseller novel It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover.

Keeping the book aside, and talking about the film baldly for those unfamiliar with the book, the film gives a complete glimpse of a relationship with physical abuse with what comes with mental instability. It is a complete package initially starting from the butterflies of a relationship to the phase of its exciting and it and then beyond.

The characters fit in their role perfectly watching from the movie purpose Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid, Jenny Slate as Allysa (Ryle’s sister) and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan.

The plot starts with the dreamy relation between Lily and Ryle, even after Lily being informed about the record of Ryle in relationships and his nature with girls. With the movement of the story, Lily starts to face abuse from Ryle. The temper and aggression is linked to some past experiences in his life and the first abuse incident comes after the first half. Things get worse between Lily and Ryle when Atlas (played by Brandon Sklenar) is made to enter their life.

The story beautifully describes Atlas, Lily having a past and understanding each other without uttering words meeting after years. The unsaid love in the last scenes between Atlas and Lily is the core strength of the film.

The many songs and the background scores in the film add life to the shot scenes categorising them as sad, loving and broken. The scores like Opening, It Was Nice Meeting You, Lily’s Past, Seeing Atlas add the needed depth to the scenes with the sensual and reciting tunes.

The dialogues in the film, talking about my favourite one by Atlas to Lily, “In the future, if you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again, fall in love with me”. The dialogue will make your heart heavy and touch your emotional quotient. The characters have well fitted into the frame except Lily. Blake could have played more with expressions and body language. Blake’s dressing in the movie seemed like a fashion disaster. Ryle aced the game with his reactions and attitude playing an aggressive man.

The climax with Lily having a baby and finally deciding if she would continue it with Ryle or not (continue to watch the film for the answers) is the whole sort of courage depicted in the film. The film addresses the social issue with the beauty of giving a message of having courage and stepping up to speak up for the steps that personally affect your mind and life.

Overall, the film depicts a journey of physical abuse initiated with romantic days in a relationship. It Ends With Us is a must watch with learning and lessons.

Rating – 3.5/5