It Ends with Us

Based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, 'It Ends with Us' attempts to navigate the complexities of love, trauma, and self-discovery, anchored by a committed performance from Blake Lively. The film centres on Lily, who finds herself torn between a new, charming neurosurgeon and the reappearance of her first love. While the narrative grapples with significant themes, including domestic abuse, the execution often veers into melodramatic territory, diluting the impact of its more serious subject matter.

Lively delivers a commendable performance, imbuing Lily with a relatable vulnerability and strength that helps to ground the more heightened aspects of the story. Justin Baldoni, who also directs, portrays the neurosurgeon with a compelling duality, though the film's handling of his character's darker impulses has drawn criticism for softening the depiction of abuse. The supporting cast provides solid contributions, but the focus remains squarely on the central romance and Lily's internal struggle.

Visually, the film is polished, with competent direction and cinematography that lend a glossy aesthetic to the proceedings. However, the screenplay struggles to balance its romantic elements with the gravity of the abuse storyline, leading to an uneven tone. Some critics have noted that the film feels more like a conventional romantic drama than a nuanced exploration of trauma, at times resembling a 'Starbucks latte of movies' – pleasant but lacking depth.

Despite these criticisms, the film's earnest approach and Lively's central performance offer moments of genuine emotional resonance for those invested in the romantic arc.