Recently, we had the chance to meet Ryan Reynolds in Berlin and once again experienced what a genuinely likable person he is. Our Tinder question had many layers, including the fact that he and Blake Lively seem like the perfect match. Their playful social media “feuds” and other antics highlight just how strong their bond is. It’s beautiful when we can laugh together, have our disagreements, and then look into each other’s eyes, embrace, and feel that we belong together. But what happens when a disagreement escalates into physical violence? We explore this issue in many dimensions in Blake Lively’s new film: It Ends With Us.
IT ENDS WITH US: THE CAST
LILY BLOOM A.K.A. BLAKE LIVELY
Lily Bloom grows up in a sheltered home, and her name is fitting, as she loves flowers and dreams of opening her own flower shop one day. However, she constantly witnesses her mother being abused by her father. Lily falls in love with Atlas, a homeless teenager who also suffers from abuse. These experiences build a deep-seated conflict within Lily against violence, which she carries with her for a long time.
Things take a turn when her boyfriend Ryle unintentionally abuses her for the first time. As if that wasn’t enough, fate intervenes when she runs into her old love, Atlas, once again.
ATLAS CORRIGAN A.K.A. BRANDON SKLENAR
Atlas has also endured terrible experiences from a young age and initially enlisted in the Marines as a result. He’s not actually homeless but rather left home to escape his circumstances. His true passion lies in cooking, and he dreams of one day opening his own restaurant.
The handsome Brandon Sklenar, whom you may recognize from 1923 or Emily the Criminal, not only stars alongside Blake Lively in It Ends With Us but also served as a producer for the film.
RYLE KINCAID A.K.A. JUSTIN BALDONI
Ryle embodies the archetype of a womanizer—attractive, charming, and a successful neurosurgeon. He’s not used to being in a committed relationship, but he’s willing to change for Lily. He makes an effort and things seem to be going well, until the day he crosses the line and becomes physically abusive. Ryle is portrayed by Justin Baldoni who also directed the movie.
IT ENDS WITH US REVIEW
It Ends With Us begins with a romantic and somewhat sentimental tone, but in a beautifully charming way. The film has a great vibe and remains ultra-sweet in many moments up until the end. It’s packed with humor and witty exchanges that could very well be from the pen of Ryan Reynolds (and might be, at least in part).
The twist in It Ends With Us ultimately brings the focus to the real issue: domestic violence. Rather than casting blame, the film aims to explore the motivations and backgrounds, showing how deep love can suddenly devolve into a complete nightmare.
Blake Lively captivates us from the very first moment she appears. Her personality, presence, humor, and charisma are truly remarkable. She excels not only as an actress but also as an empowered woman.
Isabela Ferrer also delivers a convincing and charming portrayal of young Lily Bloom. Together, these two actresses carry the film, which, while it may have some flaws, touches on many of our emotions.
The male cast performs well, with Brandon Sklenar standing out particularly due to his charm. Overall, It Ends With Us is a worthwhile RomCom with depth and plenty of humor, shedding light on a significant issue that is often swept under the rug. Thumbs up and off to the cinema. 8 points.
Text: Marco Kokkot
Images & Videos: Sony Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
