Blake Lively found herself completely immersed in producing and starring in “It Ends With Us,” the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling romance novel by Sony Pictures.
During the New York premiere, Lively shared with Variety that her role behind the camera as a producer was more demanding than her portrayal of Lily Bloom. “I was involved in every aspect of this film,” Lively said, reflecting on her commitment to the project.
The film, based on Hoover’s popular novel, tells the story of Lily Bloom, who falls in love with neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid. However, as Ryle’s violent nature becomes evident, Lily is forced to confront and break free from the cycle of domestic abuse that mirrored her parents’ relationship.
Hoover’s novel gained massive popularity, especially in 2022, thanks to “BookTok,” leading to its widespread success. Lively emphasized how much the project demanded of her, saying, “It took everything from me—love, passion, time, dedication, and even sleep.” She expressed immense pride in the final product, describing it as one of the greatest accomplishments of her career.
Directed by Justin Baldoni, who also plays Ryle, the film was initially envisioned as a smaller indie production before Sony turned it into a blockbuster. The movie’s narrative, which blends romance with a harrowing turn into violence, aims to make viewers question their perceptions. Baldoni explained that the film was crafted to reflect real-life experiences and honor the stories of survivors.
Lily Bloom’s journey, seen through her perspective, gradually reveals the darker side of her relationship with Ryle, which Baldoni believes helps audiences empathize with her choices. The film ends where Hoover’s 2022 sequel, “It Starts With Us,” begins, leaving the door open for a potential continuation.
Both Hoover and Baldoni remain cautious about discussing the possibility of a sequel but express hope that the film’s emotional impact will resonate with viewers and lead to further success.