It Ends With Us is the 'movie of the summer' despite two key controversies

The highly-anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us finally hit cinemas on Friday (9 August), but did it capture the hearts of fans in the same way the book did?

The novel was a global phenomenon, having had fans in a chokehold since its release in 2016. Hoover herself expressed it was ‘the hardest book' she has ever written, and - given the subject matter and the fact that it’s loosely based on her own parents - it’s not surprising.

ICYMI, the story follows Lily Bloom who ‘moves to Boston to chase her lifelong dream of opening her own business’ - a flower shop no less. Did I forget to mention her middle name is Blossom? A little on the nose there Hoover, don’t you think?

"After a chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (played Justin Baldoni, who also directs) soon sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, she begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents' relationship," the synopsis explains.

Enter Lily's first love, Atlas Corrigan, whose presence upends her relationship with Ryle, and I think you can all guess how it goes from there.

Starring Blake Lively (who also has a producer credit), Jane the Virgin's Justin Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, It Ends With Us bursts onto the scene and leaves a lasting impression - I can’t remember the last time I cried so much.

Blake Lively and Brandon Sklenar have a 'the one that got away' storyline in the film. (Cindy Ord / Getty Images)

I should probably preface this by saying I didn’t read the book. Take your moment to audibly gasp, but let’s move on because I have a lot to say about this film.

The movie was very well cast and the chemistry between each of the leads was palpable, while each character had layers and a well thought out back story, which really brought the story to life.

I still can’t decide whether Isabela Ferrer - who plays a young Lily - looks anything or nothing like Blake Lively but props to her for performing an unbelievable imitation of what I imagine a young Lily to be like.

Lively and Baldoni not only convinced the audience they were truly, madly, deeply in love, but gave every actor a masterclass in what sexual chemistry between two leads is meant to look like.

Lively and Ferrer at the premiere... honestly they look everything and nothing alike all at once. (Getty Images / Mega)

Despite all the recent controversy surrounding Baldoni and Lively no longer being on good terms after some alleged creative difference of opinion, let’s be grateful all that reportedly happened in post-production and we didn't have to miss out on what is a strong contender for movie of the summer.

In fact, the film hasn’t been short of controversy since its opening, and one of the biggest criticisms of the film is how some viewers believe it romanticises domestic abuse - a central theme to the story.

People’s expectations of films like It Ends With Us are always too high. Domestic abuse is not a one-size-fits-all topic, and although there are recognisable traits in the abuser-victim relationship, it would be irresponsible to forget it is different for everyone.

Not one picture together at the premiere? You guys aren't squashing these feud rumours. (James Devaney/Getty Images)

In that respect, the film did well at taking those recognisable traits and portraying them in a way that, in my opinion, wasn’t disrespectful to victims.

However, Lily Bloom is a totally unrelateable character, which detracts from the seriousness of the situation. She is almost a caricature of a person - a walking, talking vision board if you will. And although characters like that are perfect for rom-coms, when portraying such a heavy topic, people want someone more down to earth to root for.

Again, you can’t please everyone, but one thing you can do is not make a mockery out of the subject matter and I don’t believe It Ends With Us does that.

The message of the film sets out to be one of hope - something the cast have emphasised on the press tour.

It Ends With Us also has some important discussions around healing and breaking generational trauma which, as a Millennial, were greatly appreciated.

It Ends With Us is a great excuse to put Netflix down for the night and head to your local cinema. Not only does it continue a very important conversation, but it puts you in your feels and restores some of your faith in a genre that has increasingly become less interesting to watch.

★★★★

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247.