It Ends With Us - Budget Unknown - 2 hours and 10 minutes
Lily Bloom returns to Plethora, Maine, to attend her father's funeral. Her mother, Jenny, asks Lily to give the eulogy. Lily's unsure what to say, so Jenny suggests saying five nice things. Lily stands before the mourners and says nothing. She can't think of one kind thing to say about the man who abused her mother. Lily runs out of the church, drives home to Boston, and finds a rooftop with a view.
Lily sits on the ledge when a man, Ryle, enters and kicks the furniture. Ryle sees her sitting on the ledge and begs Lily to get down. He worries she is suicidal or could have an accident. She asks Ryle to join her. She tells him about the eulogy, and he laughs. They share naked truths. Lily admits she lost her virginity to a homeless boy named Atlas. Ryle admits he lost a patient whose brother accidentally shot him. Then Ryle admits he wants to sleep with Lily but warns he is a one-night guy. Lily is a relationship girl and leaves.
Lily gets the keys to her new shop and starts throwing the junk away. She wants to turn the space into a flower shop in a few weeks. A woman, Allysa, enters and questions Lily about the Help Wanted sign. Lily says it's from the previous owner, but she needs assistance. Allysa puts down her Birkin Bag and goes through the rubbage. Allysa receives a call from her husband, Marshall. He is across the street and wants to see Allysa's new job. He thinks they should buy it so Allysa can run it. Allysa alerts Lily that her brother is coming with Marshall, and they are wearing onesies for free beer. Stunned, Lily learns Ryle is Allysa's brother. After a few meet-ups, Ryle wants to try having a relationship with Lily.
Jenny wants to try a new restaurant named Root and asks Lily to join. Ryle accompanies Lily, and they order drinks. Lily sees a memorable scar on the waiter's hand. It's Atlas. Lily excuses herself from the table and sneaks away to talk to Atlas. They update each other on their lives and relationships. Lily walks away, knowing Atlas is safe and happy.
Days later, Ryle makes frittatas to celebrate his upcoming ground-breaking surgery. They drink mimosas, kiss, and laugh until they smell burning food. Ryle grabs the food without oven mitts and swears. Then, Lily is on the floor with a black eye. She pushes Ryle away, and he cuts his hand. He kisses her and says it was an accident. She believes him.
Lily puts makeup on her bruise before meeting Allysa and Marshall for dinner. Ryle told Allysa how great the food at Root was. Now, she wants to try it. Lily attempts to steer them towards another place, but they say no. They sit to eat when Atlas walks over to their table. As Marshall chats, Atlas sees Lily's eye and Ryle's bandaged hand. Atlas walks away from the table without a word. Lily runs to the bathroom to panic, and Atlas follows her. He demands that she leave Ryle or end up like her mother. Lily assures Atlas that Ryle isn't like her father, but he doesn't believe her. Lily exits the bathroom, and Ryle is standing there. She tries to explain why she is alone with a man in a locked bathroom, but Atlas attacks. They fight, Atlas orders Ryle to leave immediately, and Lily follows. Ryle begs her to stay away from Atlas and Root because he loves her and fears he is making a mistake. She promises not to see Atlas or his eatery again. She hopes this eases Ryle's concerns. However, it's the start of a dangerous yet familiar path.
Based on It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, this movie delves into the mind of an abuse survivor (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Lily grew up watching her dad hurt her mother. She knows the warning signs and excuses but doesn't see them in her relationship. The script allows the audience to fall in love with Ryle and Atlas by showing the past and the present. The movie doesn't have Lily's internal monologue as she finds ways to defend Ryle's behavior. So, when viewers see the abuse first, they see it through Lily's delusion. It looks the way Ryle describes it: an accident. It's not until Lily admits she is a victim that the audience sees the truth. It feels like Ryle is gaslighting Lily. However, she is doing it to herself. It's easier to believe a pretty lie than the naked truth. If you are someone who read the book, you will notice sweeping changes. However, the core of the story is there. Don't see this movie if you are a stickler for everything staying the same. Otherwise, it's enjoyable for a matinee.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
We shared our naked truths - Ryle
We talk about 3 to 5 times a week - Marshall
Leave him - Atlas
Don't fish where I swim, Ryle - Allysa
Look at me - Lily
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