It Ends with Us

It’s hard to navigate the mess of love and trauma in 'It Ends with Us.' While it offers some compelling moments, it struggles with pacing and character depth.

A Complicated Love Triangle

The film centers around Lily Bloom, played by Blake Lively, who is torn between her charming but abusive neurosurgeon boyfriend Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Justin Baldoni, and her first love, Atlas Corrigan. As Ryle's true nature emerges, Lily must confront her past traumas and decide what kind of future she wants. The narrative attempts to tackle heavy themes like domestic abuse, yet sometimes feels bogged down by melodrama, making it difficult for viewers to connect deeply with the characters. The runtime of 131 minutes also feels excessive for the material, with certain moments dragging on without adding substantial value to the story.

A Mix of Strong and Weak

Blake Lively delivers a commendable performance, capturing Lily's internal struggles and resilience. Justin Baldoni, while effective in portraying Ryle's charm, sometimes falls into the trap of playing a one-dimensional antagonist. Jenny Slate as Allysa and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas add some charm, but their characters lack development, leaving them feeling underutilized. The supporting cast, including Kevin McKidd as Lily's father, does provide depth, but their contributions are often overshadowed by the central love triangle. The potential for richer character arcs is left unexplored, which is a missed opportunity given the story's heavy themes.

Visual Appeal with Pacing Issues

Justin Baldoni’s direction has its moments, with some visually striking sequences that underline the emotional weight of the story. However, the film suffers from inconsistent pacing, with certain scenes feeling unnecessarily prolonged. The cinematography offers a glossy, romantic sheen that occasionally feels at odds with the film's darker themes. While the setting enhances the narrative's emotional tone, the overly dramatic lighting in some scenes detracts from the rawness of the subject matter. This inconsistency can leave viewers feeling more like spectators than participants in Lily's difficult journey.

Emotional Highs and Lows

Watching 'It Ends with Us' can be a mixed bag; there are poignant moments where the weight of Lily's situation hits hard, yet there are equally tedious stretches that test the audience's patience. The film attempts to tackle serious issues like domestic abuse, but the way it's presented sometimes feels heavy-handed, leading to moments of eye-rolling rather than genuine engagement. The emotional beats can be hit or miss, with some trying to provoke tears but falling flat due to the melodramatic execution. The overall experience oscillates between being heartfelt and frustratingly dull, leaving viewers unsure of how to feel.