(NewsNation) — Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s film “It Ends With Us” grossed more than $100 million globally in its first week, but it hasn’t been immune to criticism about its portrayal of abuse.
The film is an adaptation of author Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel of the same name. Critics of the movie have echoed some readers’ concerns about Hoover’s body of work, which includes more than 20 books and millions of copies sold. Also fueling the discourse around “It Ends With Us” is a press tour steeped in speculation about possible tension between cast members.
Some viewers have accused Lively of marketing the movie as a romantic comedy and downplaying its heavy themes of domestic abuse. As for the film itself, some have criticized it for romanticizing abuse and violence, while others uphold the story as an examination of generational trauma.
What is ‘It Ends With Us’ about?
Lively portrays Lily Blossom Bloom, a florist who becomes involved with the “charming, but abusive neurosurgeon,” Ryle Kincaid, played by the movie’s director, Justin Baldoni. Meanwhile, Bloom’s first love has reentered her life, further complicating her decisions. The film follows Lively and Baldoni’s characters — each with past traumas — as they navigate the abusive relationship.
“It Ends With Us” is rated PG-13 for domestic violence, sexual content and some strong language.
Domestic violence backlash
Viewers’ criticisms of the film’s portrayal of domestic violence are twofold. Some critics say the movie romanticizes abusive relationships, a take Baldoni said they’re “absolutely entitled to” at a time when creators are competing for attention by any means.
“At the same time, if anybody has had that real-life experience, I can imagine how hard it would be to imagine their experience being in a romance novel,” Baldoni told The Associated Press. “To them, I would just offer that we were very intentional in the making of this movie.”
But “It Ends With Us” received similar criticism before it was adapted for the screen.
A 2022 review of the book in the feminist publication Ms. Magazine opined that Hoover’s story “feeds into the very structures of toxic masculinity that it purports to combat.”
“Though cocky and manipulative from the start, Ryle is portrayed as a man who desperately wants to be good but is tormented by inner demons,” the review’s author, Jennie Young, wrote. “This is, of course, a tired cliché that’s too often applied to abusive men.”
Baldoni told CBS Mornings that he optioned the book in 2019 while looking for stories that “could be commercial and speak to the human experience.” The elements of abuse and violence weren’t lost on him. By the end of the book, Baldoni couldn’t read the text on the page because he was crying, he said.
“These women who experience this every day — there’s real love there,” Baldoni said. “There’s charm, there’s charisma, there’s passion. There’s this belief that they can be better, and it’s not so simple.”
Meanwhile, others say the movie was marketed as a romantic comedy, leaving viewers unprepared for displays of abuse and violence.
In one social media post that drew sharp criticism, Lively told fans to “grab your friends, wear your florals and head out to see it.”
In an interview with BBC, Lively said the movie covers domestic violence, but “what’s important about this film is that (Bloom) is not just a survivor and she’s not just a victim.”
The film partnered with the nonprofit No More to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault and share resources.
Press tour speculation
Fans speculated about possible tension between the film’s cast after Lively and Baldoni attended several press events without each other. Although other cast members attended interviews together, Baldoni was frequently by himself, fans noted.
The stars also didn’t appear to pose for any photos together during the movie’s world premiere earlier this month.
Some additionally noted that Hoover, Lively and other people involved in the film follow each other on Instagram but don’t follow Baldoni.
Neither he nor Lively have directly commented on the speculation. Baldoni, however, did speak to “Today” about challenges that arose while acting and directing simultaneously.
“Every movie is a miracle,” he said. “And then, of course, you’re navigating complex personalities and trying to get everybody on the same page with the same vision. And mistakes are always made, and then you figure out how to move past them.”
