‘It Ends with Us’: Comparing the Movie and Colleen Hoover’s bestselling Novel

Quote from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel We end up Finally hitting theaters last Friday (August 8, 2024), the film offers a heartfelt journey that explores love, resilience, and the complexities of relationships. Directed by Justin Baldoni and starring Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, and Justin Baldoni himself, the film has been making waves long before its release.

 

As an avid reader, I devoured Colleen Hoover’s novel about two years ago and have been addicted to her books ever since. So when I learned IEwU A movie was coming out, and I couldn’t wait to get my tickets. Last Thursday I went to see the movie with some friends, and I have to say that while it was good, I think fans of the book will be very disappointed. I know I was.

 

For those who haven’t read the book (and you definitely should!), here’s a quick overview of what to expect. We end up The film follows the life of Lily Bloom, played by Blake Lively, as she navigates the challenges of love and personal growth. Much of the story revolves around her relationship with Rell (Justin Baldoni), which starts out strong and passionate but quickly deteriorates as themes of domestic violence emerge. Throughout the book/film, Lily deals with the impact of past trauma, the return of her first love, new friends and jobs, and the changes that come with growing up and becoming an adult.

There was a lot of drama when the casting was announced late last year. Many fans of the book, myself included, felt that Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni weren’t the right choices for the lead characters in the film. I love Blake Lively, but she was never what I imagined her to be when I read the novel. But I have to say that she really shined in her role as Lily Bloom, giving a distinctive performance that embodied the character’s strength and vulnerability.

 

Other casting choices, including lesser-known actors in key supporting roles, add authenticity to the story’s interpersonal dynamics. While Justin Baldoni wasn’t my first choice for the role of Ryle, he nailed the dark, mysterious persona required of the character. Jenny Slate and Brandon Sklenar were also perfect for their roles.

 

In my opinion, Jenny Slate, who plays Alyssa, does a great job of embodying the somewhat lively and energetic – but still lovable – character. Lively’s chemistry with both of her co-stars, who play important roles in Lily’s journey, adds depth to the narrative.

 

“Will the movie be as good as the book? Will the movie do the job it deserves?”

Readers always wonder this when one of their favorite books is made into a movie, and I’m no different!

I think if you haven’t read the book, you’ll find the movie great. But if you do read it, it’ll be great…OkayWhile it is still worth watching, I think it fell short of what it could have been and what it should have been.

 

I remember reading the book and feeling lost after reading it. It was a work of art that left you in awe as you finished the pages. The novel made me cry, laugh, cheer for Lily, and experience all the other emotions that come with it. It was a message about how domestic violence can happen to anyone. Through it, I explored domestic violence like I had never explored it before, from beginning to end. I wish the movie did justice to the subject, but unfortunately, I think it didn’t live up to the bill.

In my opinion, the main reason the film didn’t reach its full dramatic potential is because the studio chose to rate it PG-13. Would an R rating have allowed it to delve more deeply into the true message of the book? I think it would have allowed it to delve more deeply into the true message of the book.This is what should have happened. The PG-13 rating doesn’t allow for the graphic nature of the original story to be explored. While some may say this isn’t necessary, I feel it was absolutely necessary so that the audience could truly understand Lily’s journey,

 

I don’t want to give away any details of the story, so I’ll leave it at this: In the book, Lily’s entire life is put into perspective. The reader understands what she went through in full, and in detail, yes, but the movie only shows glimpses of what happened to her and her surroundings, and this dilutes the impact of it all. So, while I enjoyed the movie, I don’t think it will have the same impact on viewers as Hoover’s book did on readers.

 

We end up This movie looks like it will entertain you, but it doesn’t do the full justice to Colleen Hoover’s powerful story. On the other hand, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s performances were surprisingly strong, and far exceeded my personal expectations. Sklenar’s performance as Atlas was captivating, while Jenny Slate’s Alyssa brought the best friend we all wish we had to the movie.

 

If you’re discovering the story for the first time without reading the book, you’ll definitely love it (and I definitely suggest you read the novel afterward). If you Owns Read the book, I think you’ll enjoy it too. Just don’t plan on the movie being as engaging as the novel.

 

For those who are eager to know if they agree with me, We end up The movie is in theaters now. Get your tickets here!