As a die-hard Colleen Hoover fan, I had been counting down the days until the movie adaptation of It Ends With Us hit the big screen. Having read the novel five times, I was deeply attached to its raw, emotional depth, and its unflinching exploration of domestic violence.

The book isn’t just a love story; it’s a powerful narrative about breaking cycles of abuse and finding the strength to move forward.

So, when the movie was finally released, I went in with high hopes and tissues at the ready. But instead of leaving the theater as the sobbing mess I expected, I walked out feeling…nothing.

The film was a pale shadow of the novel, lacking the depth, emotion, and grit that made the book so compelling.

It Ends With Us was published in 2016 and quickly became one of Colleen Hoover’s most acclaimed works.

The novel tells the story of Lily Bloom, a woman who finds herself in a complicated relationship with Ryle Kincaid, a charming neurosurgeon with a dark side. As Lily’s past with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, resurfaces, she must navigate the harrowing reality of domestic violence and the difficult decisions that come with it.

The book is lauded for its honest portrayal of abusive relationships, inspired by Hoover’s own personal experiences.

The movie adaptation, directed by Justin Baldoni and released in 2024, stars Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid, and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan.

From the moment it was announced, fans were eager to see how this beloved novel would be translated to the screen.

However, adapting such a complex and emotional story into a 130-minute film was always going to be a challenge, and unfortunately, the final product fell short.

A Shallow Adaptation of a Deep Novel

I understand that translating a novel into a 130-minute film requires changes and omissions. However, the choices made in this adaptation were baffling.

Iconic lines like “Just Keep Swimming” and the “Everything’s Better in Boston” magnet were completely cut. These weren’t just throwaway lines— they were integral to the story’s emotional resonance and the characters’ development.

One of the most powerful moments in the book is Atlas’ heartfelt plea: “In the future… if by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again… fall in love with me.”

In the movie, this line was rushed, delivered with the emotional weight of a casual goodbye rather than the life-altering declaration it was meant to be.

The Core Message Lost in Translation

The movie also failed to capture the core message of the novel. It Ends With Us isn’t just about romantic entanglements—it’s a story about domestic violence, resilience, and the difficult, painful journey of breaking free from toxic patterns.

The film, however, seemed to treat domestic abuse as a side note rather than the heart of the story.

It was marketed as a lighthearted rom-com, which couldn’t be further from the truth. This misrepresentation is not only disappointing but also diminishes the serious issues the book so bravely addresses.

A Misguided Performance

Blake Lively, while an incredible actress, unfortunately, missed the mark with her portrayal of Lily Bloom.

Lily is a character of strength, compassion, and complexity. In the film, however, she came across as emotionally scattered and inconsistent, a far cry from the woman who inspires readers with her courage.

It felt as if Lively hadn’t fully grasped Lily’s journey or the gravity of her experiences.

The promotional campaign, which Lively was heavily involved in, didn’t help matters.

Instead of focusing on the film’s critical themes, it was filled with pink flowers and cutesy romantic vibes—completely at odds with the novel’s tone.

It felt like a Barbie sequel rather than an adaptation of a poignant story about survival and hope.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama Overshadowing Everything else

Adding to the disappointment is the rumored behind-the-scenes drama. Reports suggest there were two final cuts of the film—one by director Justin Baldoni and one by Blake Lively, with the studio ultimately choosing Lively’s version.

The fact that the cast and author Colleen Hoover don’t follow Baldoni on social media but follow each other and how he didn’t take pictures with them adds to the speculation of tension.

Even Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, reportedly rewrote the balcony scene, raising questions about creative control.

Baldoni was the only one who consistently highlighted the importance of the movie’s themes of domestic violence and breaking the cycle, while the rest of the cast focused on lighter aspects.

Final Verdict

Books being made into movies is always a gamble, but in this case, it was a loss.

The movie adaptation of It Ends With Us is a shallow interpretation of a novel that has touched the hearts of millions.

What I watched on screen bore little resemblance to the story that inspired me, moved me, and left me in awe of Colleen Hoover’s storytelling.

This film isn’t about courage, resilience, or breaking patterns—it’s a watered-down version that fails to capture the essence of a beloved book. And for that, I am deeply disappointed.