I’m not typically one to watch a romance movie willingly, but with Blake Lively in the lead, I couldn’t resist—and I’m glad I didn’t. It Ends With Us is likely to be one of the most underrated films of 2024. The film showcases Blake Lively as her most vulnerable, navigating trust, relationships, and family challenges. It takes you on an emotional journey from start to finish—whether it’s happiness, sadness, anger, empathy, or love—you truly feel what she’s experiencing, and can’t help but admire her acting skills. Whether you’re gasping in shock, surprise, or relief, this movie portrays relationships as a rollercoaster ride.
In the film, Lily Bloom (Blake Lively) returns home from college with one dream: to open a flower shop. But things turn when she meets Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), who becomes romantically interested in her, unaware that her former love interest revealed through multiple flashbacks, is closer than she thinks. The story soon becomes a dramatic whirlwind.
The supporting cast in Jenny (Amy Morton), Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), Allysa (Jenny Slate), and Marshall (Hasan Minhaj) were outstanding in their roles. Brandon, who plays Lily’s past love, is dedicated to loving and protecting her. Allysa and Marshall add much-needed humor to the film, helping both the audience and Blake’s character get through the ups and downs.
While I generally prefer a film’s story to reach its climax quickly to maintain my interest, this movie took its time to develop. However, the gradual build-up drew me in, and once the story picked up, it became highly engaging. Though the pacing starts slow, it soon accelerates as you begin to grasp the unfolding events. The flashbacks were especially well done, illustrating Lily’s challenging childhood with an abusive father and her first boyfriend, which provides insight into why she struggles to trust men and is so cautious about avoiding the mistakes of her mother.
Overall, while romance movies aren’t usually my first choice, Blake Lively’s performance reminded me why I decided to watch this one. The film taught me valuable lessons about trust in friendships, relationships, and oneself, and recognizing when someone is truly right for you. Blake is no stranger to playing characters in complex relationships—having starred in films like Green Lantern alongside her husband Ryan Reynolds, A Simple Favor with Anna Kendrick, and the drama series Gossip Girl—but I guarantee you’ve never seen her like this. Cautious, loving, and determined, Lily is a character who experiences a full range of emotions throughout the film, ultimately finding happiness after building her flower shop—only to have her life turned upside down by a man who is instantly attracted to her, leading them to face a big surprise.