It Ends with Us ★★★

JUST in case you, like me, don’t know, the 2024 American romantic drama It Ends with Us is based on a best-selling (aren’t they all) novel.

Those three words – American, romantic, drama – normally create trepidation and low expectations.

The fact director Justin Baldoni’s film, starring Blake Lively and himself, is based on a book does make the odds a little more favourable.

So it’s pleasantly surprising to see the film venture into meatier fare as it progresses.

It starts promisingly, with Lively’s character Lily Bloom unable – or unwilling – to do the eulogy at her father’s funeral being held in Maine.

Lily returns home to Boston where she sets about opening her own florist shop. 

Sitting on the rooftop of an apartment complex, she meets neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, whom she is quickly attracted to.

Kincaid turns out to be related to a woman helping Lily with her business.

And, during dinner at a restaurant, Lily also comes across the old love of her life.

But just when you think these coincidences are leading you down the usual path, the story takes a turn for the better during the second act.

Events from Lily’s past and present clash in a way that comments on issues of domestic violence in ways that should resonate with a modern audience.

There is nothing particularly special about the film-making here, but it’s well acted and how something important to say.

Watched at the cinema.