It Ends With Us – A drama both on and off-screen

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you might have heard about the highly anticipated film ‘It Ends with Us’ from Sony Pictures. To say that the movie adaptation, based on Colleen Hoover’s romance novel of the same name, is a hot topic would be an understatement.

So, let's see why everybody's been talking about it!

What is ‘It Ends With Us’ about?

The film focuses on Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a friendly florist who falls in love with Ryle (Justin Baldoni). If you haven’t read the book or watched the film, fair warning: there might be some big spoilers ahead!

The film brought in $80 million with its release during the opening weekend. Justin Baldoni was also the director of the film but has already made it clear that he wouldn’t mind returning for the sequel, but it won’t be in the capacity of a director. Instead, he thinks Blake should be directing.

Viewers show dissatisfaction

Fans of Colleen Hoover and her books have given the film mixed reviews, and some have had rather harsh words to say about it.

Partly because of the contents and the choice of Lily (Blake) to continue co-parenting with Ryle after the abuse. However, Hoover herself has said that the story and events are inspired by her own childhood and her father’s behaviour towards her mother.

One thing that has been obvious is the lack of promotional work and public appearances featuring both Baldoni and Lively. This has led to speculation regarding a feud between Lively, her husband, and Baldoni.

In terms of public appearances, Blake and Ryan Reynolds have been photographed with co-stars Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate. In fact, Ryan and his mom have even done some skits featuring Brandon Sklenar. Hugh Jackman even made his appearance.

Blake and Baldoni feud?

According to some, Baldoni made Lively uncomfortable on set. However, while most avoid answering any direct questions about Baldoni, his role as actor and director, or what has caused the divide, it is clear that the cast and even author Colleen Hoover are steering clear of him.

While there are many theories, it remains speculation. This can only be cleared up when the cast chooses to speak out. Until then it stays speculation and fans commenting and theorising reasons on public platforms like Instagram.

Blake and Ryan under the gun

While there’s been much speculation about the reasoning behind the big feud or lack of interaction between the lead stars or the whole cast in general, fans have also expressed some upset regarding Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' social media posts and skits to ‘promote’ the film, calling them tone-deaf.

One of the promotional videos shows Ryan, his mother, and his best friend, Hugh Jackman, questioning Brandon Sklenar (Atlas). It’s fun, cutesy content that is on brand for Blake and Ryan as a couple, but in terms of film content, it might be contradictory.

Support for Baldoni

Blake and Ryan are beloved actors and public figures who often make others laugh. While many people are in their corner, there are some concerns.

Some also expressed their surprise at finding out Ryan did some writing. It’s especially odd considering Baldoni was the director, but the way Blake and the rest speak, it appears that the project was controlled and run by the Hollywood couple.

Other fans have also expressed distaste for the fact that the Deadpool team was hired to edit the film since many of the domestic violence scenes were so edited and shaded that the violence was more of a hint than an actual clear storyline.

A fan also stated that while Blake and Co. focused on creating press with hair care products and flowers, Baldoni instead focused on the issue of domestic violence. One look at his #wearemanenough hashtag on Instagram will show more about his passion for the project and his seriousness in support of domestic violence survivors.