IT ENDS WITH US offers a huge conundrum for me as a reviewer. The critics were not thrilled, but audiences loved it. I can understand the disparity in numbers simply by thinking about the content matter.
This film tackled a subject not spoken about enough in the light of day. Physical abuse in any form or level is not okay, but the crux of the story showcased how it affected different people and what their outcome was in the end. Bravo writers. Tackling this topic was not an easy task, and yes, there were several moments when the rom-com plot did not flow smoothly. I am impressed, though, with how this film will matter to many who feel invisible.
It is important to know how sexy and at times manipulative IT ENDS WITH US was on screen. Lily (Blake Lively), Ryle (Justin Baldoni), and Atlas (Brandon Sklenar) played their characters well. Sometimes, all that was necessary was a look, and these three were pros at committing to those silent moments of eye-to-eye contact. It worked. They often took my breath away, especially Livelyโs performance.
IT ENDS WITH US is more than a silly, hot romance story. The movie takes viewers on a harsh journey that is not easily forgotten, nor should it ever be.
It is streaming on Netflix.ย
