New movie, “It Ends With Us,” based on author Colleen Hoover’s book, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was finally released on Aug. 9 after being delayed twice.
Buzz about the release consumed the media due to the deep subject matter of the movie, however, strong opinions started way before the release.
When directors announced that Lively and Baldoni would be starring as the two main characters, Lily and Ryle, fans criticized the castings. In Hoover’s book, the characters are presented much younger than Lively and Baldoni are.
Once the movie was filmed and being prepped for release, one of the bigger issues about this movie was how it was being promoted; especially by leading star, Lively.
“It Ends With Us” touches on many heavy subjects, specifically domestic violence. If you had not read the book prior to the movie, you probably were not aware of the contents.
Instead of bringing awareness to domestic violence through the movie’s promotional tour, Lively focused on promoting her new hair care line.
Unlike Lively, Baldoni focused on what this movie could do for people in abusive relationships. During the press tour, Baldoni utilized his interview time to discuss ways to end the cycle of domestic abuse and highlight available resources to reach out to for victims.
As the movie came to theaters, fans went on to discuss the accuracy of the abusive relationship between Lily and Ryle. Although the movie was beautifully filmed and caught the intensity of domestic violence, it did not always capture it realistically.
At the end of the movie, while in the hospital, Lily tells Ryle that she wants a divorce due to his abusive nature. However, she says this while he is holding their newborn baby.
Hoover received much hate directly from this scene, largely from watchers who have personal experience with abuse. Fans said that anyone who has been in an abusive relationship would never tell their abuser that they want a divorce while their child is in the abuser’s hands.
As the movie remains in theaters, people are still likely to see it. Gossip about the movie doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.
