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Blake Lively's latest romantic drama "It Ends with Us" arrives in theaters this week, offering a thoughtful exploration of love and abuse adapted from Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel. Directed by Justin Baldoni, who also co-stars, the film walks a delicate line between glossy melodrama and nuanced character study.
Lively portrays Lily Bloom, a florist grappling with complicated feelings after her abusive father's death. As she pursues her dream of opening a flower shop, Lily meets charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni). Their whirlwind romance is complicated by the reappearance of Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), Lily's childhood sweetheart.
The $25 million production boasts lush visuals that recall classic Hollywood women's pictures. Cinematographer Polly Morgan bathes Boston locations in warm, autumnal hues. Costume designer Denise Wingate outfits the cast in enviable ensembles befitting their glamorous lifestyles.
Yet beneath the polished surface, screenwriter Christy Hall maintains the novel's emotional core. "We wanted to honor Colleen's story while making it accessible to a broader audience," Hall noted in a recent interview. The film navigates difficult subject matter with surprising grace, avoiding easy answers or tidy resolutions.
Critical response has been largely positive. The Hollywood Reporter's Lovia Gyarkye praised the "palpable chemistry" between Lively and Baldoni, while Variety's Owen Gleiberman called it "a romance with real-world bite." Currently, the film holds a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Box office projections are optimistic, with industry analysts predicting a $20-25 million opening weekend. The film's marketing campaign shrewdly targets multiple demographics, from Hoover's devoted fanbase to Taylor Swift enthusiasts (Lively is a close friend of the pop star).
"It Ends with Us" arrives amid renewed interest in female-driven melodramas. Recent hits like "Where the Crawdads Sing" and "Daisy Jones & the Six" suggest audiences are hungry for emotional storytelling centered on complex women.
While some critics have noted formulaic elements, most agree the film transcends genre trappings. As The Guardian's Benjamin Lee writes, "It's a plot of hackneyed soap tropes but there's a real maturity to how it unfolds."
"It Ends with Us" succeeds as both crowd-pleasing entertainment and thoughtful character study. Lively's nuanced performance anchors the film, supported by strong turns from Baldoni, Sklenar, and Jenny Slate as Lily's sardonic best friend. For audiences seeking romance with substance, it's a journey worth taking.
